DefinePK

Abstract

Communal farming practices and the release of meat in rural areas of developing countries remains important in ensuring meat safety. Given the uncontrolled slaughter of cattle communally farmed at central Bushbuckridge, this study focused on farming practices that may have a negative impact on meat safety. A structured questionnaire, based on interviews of 76 communal farmers, revealed variability in responses when the frequencies observed were tested for uniform distribution (Chi-square test; P<0.05). The results indicated the main reason for keeping cattle was for commercial purposes (93.4%), including trade with other farmers, the public and unregistered slaughter facility owners. All cattle were free roaming in unfenced areas and within households. Before sick animals died, 42% of farmers would slaughter them to recover costs. The study concluded that some cattle farming practices were likely to impact negatively on the production of healthy animals and safe meat.