Plasma Cortisol Levels as Indicators of Transport Stress in Goats Marketed at Bodija Abattoir, Oyo State, South West Nigeria

Transport stress in livestock destined for slaughter has significant welfare, biochemical, and meat quality implications. This study measured plasma cortisol concentrations in West African Dwarf goats at different time intervals following road transportation to Bodija Abattoir in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Sixty goats sourced from local markets were assigned to three groups based on transport duration: less than two hours, two to four hours, and greater than four hours. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture immediately upon arrival and at thirty-minute intervals up to two hours post-arrival for cortisol quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma cortisol concentrations were significantly elevated in all transported groups compared to non-transported farm controls, with the highest values recorded in goats subjected to transport durations exceeding four hours. A gradual decline in cortisol was observed during the post-arrival rest period, with levels approaching baseline at ninety minutes in the short-duration transport group. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature corroborated the cortisol data as indicators of stress intensity. These findings demonstrate a clear duration-dependent stress response in transported goats and underscore the need for pre-slaughter rest periods as a welfare and product quality measure in Nigerian abattoir operations. Keywords: cortisol, transport stress, West African Dwarf goat, Bodija Abattoir, welfare.