Incidence and First Aid Management of Soft Tissue Injuries in Livestock Transported Across Borno State Markets

Livestock transportation is a major component of the agricultural supply chain in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone, and soft tissue injuries sustained during transit represent a poorly studied welfare and economic concern. This study investigates the incidence and first aid management of soft tissue injuries in cattle, sheep, and goats transported across major livestock markets in Borno State between March 2023 and February 2024. A field survey approach was employed, combining direct clinical examination of animals at arrival points with structured interviews of 85 livestock traders and transporters. Injuries were classified by type, severity, anatomical location, and species affected. A total of 1,042 animals were examined, with an overall soft tissue injury prevalence of 14.2%. Abrasions and lacerations were most common, predominantly affecting the limbs and thoracic wall. Cattle recorded the highest injury rate at 17.6%, compared to 12.8% in sheep and 10.4% in goats. Overcrowding in trucks and inadequate padding were identified as the primary contributing factors by 73% of traders. First aid measures were applied in only 31% of injury cases, and most interventions were informal. The study recommends the enforcement of minimum transport welfare standards, provision of veterinary first aid kits at market entry points, and capacity building for traders in basic wound management. Improving livestock transport welfare in North Eastern Nigeria will reduce economic losses and enhance animal product quality. Keywords: livestock transport, soft tissue injury, first aid, Borno State, animal welfare.