Consumer awareness, proximate composition, and sensory properties of processed African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) thigh meat
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Date
2017-12-27
Authors
Oyeyinka, Samson A
Alabi-Ogundepo, Tokun
Babayeju, Adeshola A
Joseph, John K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saudi University
Abstract
This study investigated the knowledge of consumption of giant rat meat within the University of Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria and further determined the effect of processing methods on the most preferred meat part (thigh meat). After the survey, two male and female giant rats each were obtained from a farm and
slaughtered according to standard method. A 2 X 2 design was used to obtain four samples. The male rats were boiled and then divided into two portions. One portion was deep-fat fried and the other grilled to produce. The same process was employed for the female samples. Proximate composition and sensory
properties of the processed thigh meat was also assessed. Majority of the respondents (27) prefer the hind limb (thigh) of the giant rat compared to the head (3), ribs and stomach area (5) and the fore limbs (8). The proximate composition of the raw giant rat meat were not affected by the sex, since the values
were very similar. Protein is the major nutrients in the meat (approx. 24%), while fats, ash, fibre and carbohydrate were very low. Frying and grilling resulted in significant reduction in the proximate composition of the meat. Grilling showed slightly higher protein contents (approx. 22%) than the fried samples
(approx. 18%). In general, there was no significant (p < .05) difference in the sensory properties of the processed meat. The low fat content of the giant rat meat is advantageous for adults and people suffering from fat related diseases. In conclusion, giant rat meat is popular among students and staff of the University of Ilorin, but its low consumption pattern is due to the limited amount raised or within the University environs.
Description
Keywords
African giant rat, Consumer awareness, Proximate, Sensory properties
Citation
Oyeyinka, S.A., Alabi-Ogundepo, T., Babayeju, A.A., & Joseph, J. K. (2019): Consumer awareness, proximate composition, and sensory properties of processed African giant rats (Cricetomysgambianus) thigh meat. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences. 18(4); 385-388, Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saudi University. Available online at https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-the-saudi-society-of-agricultural-sciences/vol/18/issue/4