Effect of embryonic loss on small ruminant productivity in Chad

This study aims to assess the impact of embryonic losses on the productivity of small ruminants in Chad, based on an analysis conducted at the Farcha refrigerated slaughterhouse in N'Djamena. A prospective and descriptive approach was conducted from September to December 2017. The sample consisted of 1.741 uteruses collected after slaughter, of which 1,328 (76%) were found to be pregnant. The extracted fetuses and embryos were subjected to morphometric and biometric measurements (length, weight, sex, stage of gestation) according to established formulas (in particular Keller's). The data collected were statistically processed using Excel and SPSS, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The main objective of this study is to characterize the embryos and fetuses from slaughtered females and to evaluate the potential losses in productivity generated. The results show that the majority of the females slaughtered are pregnant, thus confirming a very high embryonic loss. Of the 1.328 pregnant women, 37% were female fetuses, 35% were male and 4% were undetermined. The mean length of the fetuses was 16.79 cm, with a mean weight of 792 g and a mean gestational age of 80 days. The majority of pregnancies observed were single (87%), compared to 13% double. These results reflect a significant impact of early slaughter on herd productivity, with direct losses of breeding females and potential hatchlings.

The study concludes that the slaughter of pregnant females poses a major threat to the sustainability of small ruminant farming in Chad. This phenomenon compromises the dynamics of reproduction, reduces meat production, and weakens farmers' incomes. It also reflects a lack of ante-mortem control and a lack of awareness among the actors in the sector (butchers, breeders, veterinarians). The implementation of rigorous veterinary control measures before slaughter, raising awareness among slaughterers of the importance of preserving pregnant females, and strengthening the regulations governing slaughter in the country's slaughterhouses would help reduce embryonic losses, improve animal productivity and support national food security.