Slaughter of Donkey Equus Asinus, "The Ass" for Meat: A Survey of Sources of Meat in Equatorial Tropics of Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Records on supply (1990 - 1994) and slaughter (1984 - 1994) were analysed to study the scale, monthly and
annual trend of the supply and slaughter of donkey, the ass, Equus asinus, for meat at the Ezillo in Ishielu Local
Government Area, near Abakaliki, in Ebonyi State of Nigeria. W e were two peaks of supply/slaughter in the year.
The first occurred I April while the second was by November/December. In each month of the year, an average of 700
donkeys were suppliedfrom various parts of northern Nigeria. The total supply in 1990 was 6612. This increased
sharply to 11,817 by 1994. More than 50% of the supplies were slaughtered at Ezillo monthly. The rest were resold
to traders from various others states of the Federation. Also fresh and dried donkey meat were purchased and
transported to other towns and markets in the southern States of the country. Post mortem examination of the meat
revealed that tuberculosis was the most prominent disease found in 31.69% of the slaughtered animals. This has
very serious public health implications.