Slaughtering process of goat and sheep
1. Introduction Sheep and goat skins are one of the most important foreign exchange earners to the Ethiopian economy. There is, however, substantial loss due to rejection and downgrading of sheep/goat skins. This has resulted in substantial losses to producers, traders, tanneries and also to the country’s economy. Most people in Ethiopia slaughter sheep and goats in their backyards due to traditional norms and lack of legislation. Inadequate attention is paid to maintaining quality as a result of the by-product status accorded to skins. Farmers and butchers in rural areas get a very low price for the skins that are no incentive for proper handling and drying. Tanning of damaged skins require more chemicals and effort to repair them. This means extra cost and extra pollution. Estimates of the loss to the Ethiopian economy due to poor handling and other problems reach US $ 14 million per year. Care during slaughter and flaying of sheep/goats has a profound impact on the q...