Carcasses and Offal Condemnation at Kom-Elnour Abattoir in Dakahlia Province, Egypt: Major Causes and Economic Loss

Abstract

An abattoir survey was conducted from October 2020 to September 2021 to identify the primary reasons for offal and carcass condemnation of slaughtered animals in Dakahlia province, Egypt, as well as to estimate their economic loss. During the survey, 643 animals (441 cattle, 178 buffalos, 19 camels, 4 sheep, and one goat) were submitted for antemortem and postmortem inspection. The results of both inspections were collected, analyzed, and the total economic loss was estimated by adding the condemnation of offal and carcasses over a twelve-month period. Retail prices for offal (liver, lung, heart, and tongue) and carcass prices per kg were obtained from local markets. Out of 643 animals slaughtered, 2 (0.31%) were totally condemned. In addition, postmortem inspection revealed that 217 (33.74%) livers, 158 (24.57%) lungs, 5 (0.78%) hearts, 14 (2.18%) heads, and 11(1.71%) tongues were condemned. Offal were condemned mainly due to pneumonia, fascioliasis, telangiectiasis, necrosis, and hydatidosis, whereas carcasses were rejected due to generalized tuberculosis. According to this study, the financial loss at the abattoir owing to carcass and organ condemnations was 244066 Egyptian Pounds over a twelve-month period (15746 USD). The incidence of meat rejection and subsequent financial loss was high compared to the amount of local revenue. The current study concluded that bacterial and parasitic diseases are still prevalent and cause significant economic damage in Dakahlia province, Egypt. This abattoir survey offered regional information on the principal reasons for carcass and organ condemnation in slaughtered animals, as well as an estimate of the direct economic consequences. Furthermore, the findings of the current work underlined the importance of developing an efficient monitoring system for meat condemnation and enforcing animal health strategies in Egypt.