Abstract
Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of fetal wastage among cattle slaughtered at Gwagwalada abattoir, Nigeria, estimated the associated economic losses, and assessed the adequacy of abattoir infrastructure in relation to standard operational requirements.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study (June 2025–May 2026) evaluated infrastructure and cattle slaughter registries at the Gwagwalada abattoir, Nigeria. Operational prevalence of fetal wastage was determined through physical post-mortem inspection of slaughtered cows. Downstream macroeconomic drainage was quantified using a mortality-adjusted Net Present Value (NPV) model of forgone production (5%, 10%, and 15% annual discount rates; 17% pre-weaning and 3.4% post-weaning mortality indices) alongside an intergenerational valuation model to project long-term female breeding stock depletion.
Results: A total of 4,619 cattle were slaughtered during the study period, comprising 2,894 (62.7%) males and 1,725 (37.3%) females. 240 fetuses were recovered from slaughtered pregnant cows, resulting in a fetal wastage prevalence of 13.9% (95% Confidence Interval: 12.4–15.6%). Assessment of the abattoir revealed major infrastructural deficiencies, including the absence of a veterinary laboratory, condemned meat room, effluent treatment plant, and several other essential facilities. The comparative NPV of forgone production revealed a major economic loss of USD161,000, USD152,254, and USD144,666 at 5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively.
Conclusions: The prevalence of fetal wastage observed at the Gwagwalada abattoir shows significant losses to livestock production, food security, and the Nigerian economy. Strengthening ante-mortem pregnancy detection, improving abattoir infrastructure, and/or developing a new policy are necessary to reduce the slaughter of pregnant cattle and preserve future herd productivity.

Key words: fetal wastage; cattle slaughter; bio-economic modeling; abattoir infrastructure; net present value; food security