In developing countries, foetal wastage from slaughtered ruminants and the associated economic losses appear to be substantial. However, only a limited number of studies have comprehensively evaluated these trends. In the current study, secondary (retrospective) and primary data were collected and evaluated to estimate the prevalence of foetal wastage from cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered at an abattoir in Minna, Nigeria, over a 12-year period (January 2001 – December 2012). Time-series modelling revealed substantial differences in the rate of foetal wastage amongst the slaughtered species, with more lambs having been wasted than calves or kids. Seasonal effects seem to influence rates of foetal wastage and certain months in the year appear to be associated with higher odds of foetal wastage. Improved management systems are suggested to reduce the risk of foetal losses.

The equine species, which includes donkeys, mules, horses, and ponies, have made major contributions to human civilizations all throughout the world. The Indian livestock sector, after an initial decline in period from 2007 - 2012, staged a remarkable comeback during the period from 2012-2019 with an impressive overall growth rate of 4.8%. However, the total population of horses, ponies, mules and donkeys in India is 0.55 million as per the latest livestock census, a decrease by 51.9% over the previous livestock census (2012). The ‘decreasing utility’ due to increasing vehicles and urbanization has been considered as factors for the drastic dip in population. This paper, based on secondary data, aims to provide a concise summary of the current status, growth rate, distribution patterns, and factors leading to the decline in the population of working equines in India. Tabular presentations and graphical representations have been utilized for easy analysis and comparison of population trends across different years.