Understanding the welfare concerns of ruminants transported from farms to abattoirs in Uganda 

Year: 2021

Alex Kyabarongo 
Makerere University, Uganda 

Supervisors: Dr Dickson Stuart Tayebwa and Dr Sylvia Nalubwama 

HSA Student/Trainee Scholarship 2021

Good animal welfare practices during transportation of animals from farms to abattoirs contribute to their wellbeing and to product quality. This study aimed to document the state of animal transportation in Uganda and to assess attitudes of key stakeholders towards animal welfare. A qualitative study was conducted using open interviews with key stakeholders (farmers, veterinarians, and drivers), and observations of cattle transportation from farm via market to abattoir on three major transport routes were carried out. Preliminary results were obtained from 2 transports and interviews with farmers (n = 6), a district veterinarian (n = 1), and drivers (n=2). Cattle walked 1-40 km from farm to market directed by herdsmen holding sticks and ropes tied to the hind limbs. At the market, all cattle and people stayed in one kraal increasing the risk of aggressive or flight behaviour. Farmers showed empathy for animals but declared that once the animal was sold, they no longer had moral authority to show concern. The district veterinary officers involved in issuing animal movement permits focused on transboundary animal diseases. According to the veterinary officers, most animal welfare challenges during transport were related to winching animals’ tails to upper rails in the truck to keep animals standing (a practice referred to as “Ekimasulo”, translated as exposing the genitals), overloading the trucks, and mixing animals of different ages and species. In addition, transportation guidelines and penalties were not being well enforced. The use of rope and sticks was observed during loading of animals onto trucks for transport to abattoirs (15-200 km). Driver responses indicated they were aware of specifications for the transport of animals but overloaded the trucks following directions of animal traders to increase profit. Overall, results suggested disregard of animal welfare across the entire transportation chain. Farmers and drivers appeared to have less knowledge about animal welfare during transportation. Improvements to loading and unloading infrastructure, sensitization and training of key stakeholders on the importance of animal welfare, and enforcing transportation guidelines are valuable avenues to improve ruminant welfare during transportation in Uganda.