PRE AND POST-SLAUGHTER ANIMAL HANDLING BY BUTCHERS IN THE BAWKU MUNICIPALITY OF THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the pre-slaughter handling of animals and the hygienic level of meat production in the Bawku Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Thirty one (31) semi-structured questionnaires were administered to collect information from butchers on ante-mortem and post-mortem carcass handling. Personal observations were also made to assess meat processing and handling conditions. The results indicated that, the standard of handling animals and producing meat in the area was relatively low. There is inappropriate preslaughter handling such as trekking animals over long distance before slaughter without adequate rest, arduous means of transporting live animals, mixing of different groups and kinds of animals during transport and non-withdrawal of feed just before slaughter. There is also poor hygienic standard of meat processing such as dressing of carcasses on filthy floors, inappropriate means of transporting carcasses and cuts to sale points, and the use of un-sterilized knives and slaughtering equipments in the cutting and processing of meat. The government and all stake holders must ensure that standard and hygienic methods of handling and processing meat in the Municipality are adhered to.