KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE (KAP) OF PRE‑SLAUGHTER STUNNING OF CATTLE IN CALABAR MUNICIPALITY, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of pre-slaughter stunning among cattle workers in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted and 155 participants including butchers, cattle traders, and abattoir workers were purposively selected. Data were obtained using a validated interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 25. Descriptive and inferential analyses (Chi-square) revealed a profound deficit in knowledge and practice. The mean knowledge score was 1.17/10, with 82.6% of respondents exhibiting low knowledge. Only 18.7% had heard of stunning, and 16.8% understood its pain-reducing benefits. Attitudes were largely negative (46.5%) or neutral (40.6%), reflecting uncertainty about its religious acceptability and practical value. Notably, 98.1% did not practice stunning, and 100% demonstrated poor practice, largely attributed to a 99.4% lack of access to equipment. Significant associations were observed between knowledge and practice (χ² = 102.122, p < 0.001), and between attitude and practice (χ² = 33.937, p < 0.001). Practice was also significantly linked to education (χ² = 62.077, p < 0.001), professional role (χ² = 35.516, p < 0.001), and years of experience (χ² = 27.860, p = 0.006), but not to age, gender, or religion. The study concludes that low awareness, negative perceptions, and infrastructural deficiencies critically impede stunning adoption. Targeted training, investment in abattoir facilities, and interfaith engagement are recommended to enhance animal welfare standards.