Pathological Causes and Economic Impact of Organs and Carcass Condemnation in Slaughtered Ruminants of Cattle, Sheep and Goats

The condemnation of organs and carcasses in ruminants has significant implications for the meat industry, particularly regarding financial losses incurred by butchers. A cross-sectional study was conducted from ten (10) selected slaughter houses near Klang Selangor with the identification of Gross and Pathological changes, the causes of organs and carcass contaminations in slaughtered ruminants. The major causes of condemnation reported in this study were parasitic infections, bacterial diseases and other pathological condition. 334 samples were analyzed for post-mortem follow-up in the slaughter houses. For parasitic conditions Fasciolosis 41.1%, Hydatidosis 19.2%, Fasciola hepatica11.1%, and Eimeria spp 5.7%. According to bacterial) condition: tuberculosis 21.0%, nephritis is 17.0%, abscesses are 11.1%, emphysema is 9.7%, and pneumonia is 5.5%. Other pathological conditions reported: cirrhosis 11.1%, calcification 9.2%, splenomegaly 7.2%, oedema 5.5%, congestion 5.3%, infraction 4.0%, haemorrhaged 3.3%, necrosis 3.1% and pericarditis 2.1%. The condemnation of organs in the carcass was statistically significant (p>0.05). Therefore, there was no statistical significance in both large (Cattle) and small (sheep and goat) ruminants. The total financial loss due to carcass contamination was calculated at 59,724.45 RM (13,328.23 USD). The findings of this study on slaughter houses indicated that the most frequent reason for condemnations was parasite infestations and bacterial diseases. The result of financial losses underscores the need for improved veterinary practices and disease management strategies within the livestock industry to alleviate these issues effectively. Enhanced public health education for farmers regarding disease prevention can also play a crucial role in reducing these condemnations and their financial consequences.