SUNScholar - Browsing by Author "Hoffman L.C."

Browsing by Author "Hoffman L.C."

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A comparison between slaughter traits and meat quality of various sheep breeds: Wool, dual-purpose and mutton
(2012) Cloete J.J.E.; Hoffman L.C.; Cloete S. W. P. (Schalk Willem Petrus van der Merwe)
The slaughter and meat quality traits of 20-month-old wool (Merino), dual-purpose (Dohne Merino and South African Mutton Merino [SAMM]) and mutton (Dormer) type sheep were compared. Average live weights of SAMM and Dormer sheep were 23% heavier than those of Dohne Merinos which were 28% heavier than Merinos. Fat depths at the thirteenth rib and lumbar regions of Merino and Dohne Merino sheep were lower than those of SAMM and Dormer sheep. The cooking loss, drip loss and shearing value from the M. longissimus dorsi did not differ between breeds. The initial juiciness and sustained juiciness of meat from Merinos were rated significantly lower by sensory analysis. Meat from Dohne Merino was rated significantly more tender for the attribute first bite. It was demonstrated that Dormer and SAMM sheep had heavier but fatter carcasses than Merinos and Dohne Merinos, with differences in meat quality between breeds. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
A comparison between the body composition, carcass characteristics and retail cuts of South African Mutton Merino and Dormer sheep
(2004) Cloete J.J.E.; Hoffman L.C.; Cloete, S. W. P. (Schalk Willem Petrus van der Merwe); Fourie J.E.
The body composition, carcass characteristics and retail cuts of 61 Dormers (21 rams and 40 ewes) and 35 South African Mutton Merinos (SAMM) (17 rams and 18 ewes) were determined. A range of carcass measurements was recorded. Since there was no sex x breed interaction, only main effects of breed and sex were considered. There were no differences in slaughter weight between Dormer and SAMM sheep at 18 months of age. Dormers had a 2.7% point higher dressing percentage and a 6.2% higher carcass weight than the SAMM. The Dormer had a higher fat content (kidney fat, back-fat depth) than the SAMM. The eye-muscle area of the Dormers was 13% larger than that of the SAMM sheep. Rams were heavier than the ewes at slaughter. All the traits measured, indicated advantages in favour of rams. Only the saturated, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio differed significantly between the Dormer and SAMM sheep. Based on the fatty acid profile, SAMM meat is slightly healthier than that of Dormer sheep. The higher retail cut weights of Dormers suggested that they were superior to the SAMM as far as meat production was concerned.
A comparison between the effects of day and night cropping on gemsbok (Oryx gazella) meat quality
(2010) Hoffman L.C.; Laubscher L.L.
This study compares the effects of day- and night cropping on the quality of gemsbok meat. Day-cropped animals had higher behavioural scores and cortisol levels (behavioural score: 3.5 ± 0.423; cortisol: 136.88 ± 2.731 nmol/L) than night-cropped animals (behavioural score: 2.1 ± 0.378; cortisol: 64.1 ± 1.633 nmol/L) while night-cropped animals had a higher mean pHu (5.54 ± 0.013) than day-cropped animals (5.49 ± 0.014). The exponential decay model, y = a + b-ct, fitted to the pH data indicated a difference in constant a only (day = 5.45 ± 0.006; night = 5.51 ± 0.006). Night-cropped animals produced meat that was darker in colour. The results indicate that day cropping may have elicited more ante-mortem stress although this did not necessarily affect the meat quality adversely, however due to the limitation of sample size, the data may be skewed by outliers and should thus be interpreted with caution. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Comparison between the effects of day and night cropping on greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) meat quality
(2009) Hoffman L.C.; Laubscher L.L.
The greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) has become a popular ungulate species for game meat production and the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of day and night cropping on its meat quality. Eight animals were cropped during the day and eight at night. Day-cropped animals had higher mean behavioural scores (perceived amount of ante-mortem stress experienced) and Cortisol levels (behavioural score = 3.0 ± 0.641; Cortisol = 68 ± 1.28 nmol/l) than night-cropped animals (behavioural score = 1.8 ± 0.955; Cortisol = 14 ± 2.15 nmol/l). The muscle ultimate pH (pHu) values differed significantly between the two treatments (day-cropped animals = 5.40 ± 0.030; night-cropped = 5.48 ± 0.041). Significant differences were also found in drip loss (day-cropped = 2.76 ± 0.261%; night-cropped = 1.36 ± 0.361 %) and in shear force between treatments (day-cropped = 3.45 ± 0.171; night-cropped = 4.06 ± 0.237 kg/1.27 cm diameter). No differences were found between the treatments for any of the colour ordlnates, except L* values (day-cropped: 33.45 ± 0.435; night-cropped = 32.13 ± 0.601). The results of this study are Inconclusive in that although day-cropped animals experienced more ante-mortem stress and, as a result produced meat with higher drip loss, they had a lower shear force and a paler colour, which are positive meat quality attributes associated with less stress.
A comparison between the effects of day versus night cropping on the quality parameters of red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) meat
(2011) Hoffman L.C.; Laubscher L.L.
Ante-mortem stress is known to adversely affect meat quality, and cropping methods that minimize stress are key to ensuring acceptable meat quality from wild ungulates. The purpose of this study was to compare the difference in meat quality between day- and nightcropped red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus). The cropping method had no significant effect on the stress parameters, the ultimate pH of the meat or any of the constants of the exponential decay model of the pH data (y=a+b e(-ct)). No significant differences were found in drip loss, cooking loss or shear force between treatments. Significant correlations were found between carcass pHu versus drip (r = -0.322) and cooking losses (r = -0.323). A significant difference was found for a* (P= 0.048) and chroma (P= 0.032) between day and night-cropped animals. All colour ordinates, except hue angle, were found to be significantly correlated to pHu. The results of this study indicate that if an experienced cropping team is used, neither of the two cropping methods has any adverse effect on the meat quality of red hartebeest.
Advances in the electrical stunning and bleeding of ostriches
(2012) Hoffman L.C.
The stunning of ostriches (Struthio camelus) has traditionally been carried out with hand-held tongs whilst birds are held in a restraining area by applying pressure normally from behind by gently pushing on the tail feathers. The area is often a V-shaped structure, high enough that the stunning operator is not kicked. After stunning, the birds are rocked backwards and a rubberised leg clamp placed over the legs at the tarso-metatarsal bone allowing the birds to be chain-shackled by the big toes. This stunning procedure has been replaced by a new restraining and stunning mechanism which completely envelops the ostrich in a padded clamp holder. Double-padded sides restrain the bird's upper thighs and a rubberised foot clamp holds the feet so there is no physical damage to the bird. As the bird is electrically stunned with electrodes placed both sides of the head, the entire stunning box rotates 180° so that toe clamps can be applied without any danger to the stunning operators. Within 20 s of stunning, the birds are bled by means of a complete ventral cut to the neck and/or by thoracic sticking. © 2012 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare.
Behaviour of Merinos divergently selected for multiple rearing ability in response to external stimuli
(2005) Cloete J.J.E.; Cloete S.W.P.; Hoffman L.C.
Data of Merino sheep descended from two divergent selection lines for (H line) and against (L line) multiple rearing ability were collected in three different trials to compare response to stressful situations between lines. Trial 1: the behaviour of 138, 20-month-old sheep born in 2001 and 124, 8-month-old sheep born in 2002 were observed in an arena test. Experimental animals amounted to 111 and 101 for the H line in the respective years. Corresponding numbers for the L line were 27 and 23, respectively. Progeny born in 2001 were accustomed to handling, as the tests were performed shortly after routine performance recording. Lambs born in 2002 were unaccustomed to handling when tested. Progeny from the H line born in 2002 allowed a smaller (P < 0.01) minimum distance between them and the human operator seated between them and a group of similar aged sheep than L line contemporaries. Progeny born in the L line during 2002 defecated more (P < 0.05) frequently than H line contemporaries. No line differences were found in progeny born during 2001. Trials 2 and 3 were designed to test whether the putative line difference in stress response would impact on physical meat quality. Trial 2: a total of 103, 18-20-month-old progeny from the two selection lines were slaughtered during 2001, 2002-2003. Mean slaughter weight, dressing percentage and carcass weight of H line animals were between 5 and 13% higher (P < 0.05) than that of L line animals. There were no differences in cooking loss, drip loss and tenderness between the two lines. As pertaining to the meat colour, L line progeny had less vivid red meat, as seen by their lower (P < 0.05) a* colour reading and chroma values. The L line animals had lower (P < 0.01) initial pH values as measured in the Musculus longissimus dorsi. These results are indicative of susceptibility to acute, short-term stress. Trial 3: 20 progeny of the two selection lines were slaughtered and their muscle pH measured at 11 intervals from 45 min to 48 h post slaughter. As in Trial 1, the initial pH of the L line animals were lower (P < 0.05) than that of H line animals. An opposite tendency was observed by 48 h post slaughter. The obtained results support a hypothesis that divergent selection for ewe multiple ability resulted in adaptations to cope with unfamiliar conditions. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Brucellae through the food chain: The role of sheep, goats and springbok (Antidorcus marsupialis) as sources of human infections in Namibia
(2011) Magwedere K.; Bishia A.; Tjipura-Zaire G.; Eberle G.; Hemberger Y.; Hoffman L.C.; Dziva F.
Aconfirmed case of human brucellosis motivated an investigation into the potential source of infection in Namibia. Since domestic animals are principal sources of Brucella infection in humans, 1692 serum samples were screened from sheep, goats and cattle from 4 presumably at-risk farms and 900 springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) serum samples from 29 mixed farming units for Brucella antibodies by the Rose-Bengal test (RBT) and positive cases confirmed by complement fixation test (CFT). To assess the prevalence of human brucellosis, 137 abattoir employees were tested for Brucella antibodies using the standard tube agglutination test (STAT) and by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cattle and sheep from all 4 farms were negative by RBT and CFT but 2 of the 4 farms (Ba and C) had 26/42 and 12/285 seropositive goats, respectively. Post mortem examination of seropositive goats revealed no gross pathological lesions typical of brucellosis except enlarged mesenteric and iliac lymph nodes seen in a single buck. Culture for brucellae from organs of seropositive animals was negative. None of the wildlife sera tested positive by either RBT or CFT. Interviews revealed that besides the case that prompted the investigation, a family and another person from other farms with confirmed brucellosis shared a common history of consumption of unpasteurised goat milk, home-made goat cheese and coffee with raw milk and prior contact with goats, suggesting goats as the likely source of infection. All 137 abattoir employees tested negative by STAT, but 3 were positive by ELISA. The 3 abattoir workers were clinically normal and lacked historical connections with clinical cases. Although goats are often associated with B. melitensis, these studies could not explicitly implicate this species owing to cross-reactivity with B. abortus, which can also infect goats. Nevertheless, these data reinforce the need for a better National Control Programme for brucellosis in Namibia.
Bruising on ostrich carcasses and the implications on the microbiology and losses in utilizable meat when removing them post-evisceration or post-chilling
(2010) Hoffman L.C.; Britz T.J.; Schnetler D.C.
Bruising on ostrich carcasses reduces meat yield. These bruises are usually removed as part of the primary meat inspection, performed directly after evisceration. Three separate studies were conducted to determine the advantages and disadvantages of removing the bruises at primary meat inspection or after overnight cooling of the ostrich carcasses (0-4°C). The bruised areas were also investigated to determine their frequency and distribution and to establish the most obvious causes and possible preventative measures. The neck bruises represented 52.58% of all bruises; the high side railings of the transport vehicles being the most probable cause. Large and multiple bruising were probably from the trampling of birds lying down. It was established that trimming bruises on warm carcasses caused higher total aerobic viable counts on the trimmed surfaces than cold trimming. Cold trimming together with better management of trimming practices also led to a decrease in meat yield losses. © 2010 The American Meat Science Association.
Causes of cattle bruising during handling and transport in Namibia
(2012) Hoffman L.C.; Luhl J.
Numerous risks associated with transport and handling of livestock cause bruising and poor welfare to animals. Variables having an influence on the level of bruising under Namibian transport conditions include animal factors (breed type, age, sex, condition and subcutaneous fat cover), pre-transport handling (re-branding of animals), transport related risks (loading density, animals lying down during transit) and lairage factors (fit of truck floor to off-loading ramp, moving to holding pen, pen size and minimum temperatures). Although no single factor was the dominant driver of bruise prevalence; load density, gravel roads, and cattle running after disembarking had a cumulative effect on bruising. Surprisingly, transport duration (3 vs 8. h) had minimal effect. The overall incidence of bruising is high, with the highest levels on the hips, around the butt and pin areas. In the event of animals transported to slaughter in the central areas of Namibia, conditions surrounding transport are more important than the distance transported or journey duration. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Changes in some water quality conditions in recycling water using three types of biofiltration systems during the production of the sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell): Part I: Relative efficiency in the breakdown of nitrogenous wastes by the different biofiltration units
(1999) Prinsloo J.F.; Roets W.; Theron J.; Hoffman L.C.; Schoonbee H.J.
A comparison is made of the relative efficiencies in the breakdown of nitrogenous wastes of three types of water recirculation biofiltration units used during the production of the sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell). Two types of trickling filters were employed. One contained PVC shavings with a calculated surface contact area of 1 220 m2. The second is a more sophisticated biofilter unit made up with Siporax porous sintered glass cylinders with a total surface water contact area of 32 000 m2. The third filter consisted of a rotating biological contactor unit with a water contact surface area of 271.2 m2. Investigations showed that the PVC shavings filter unit was clearly the most efficient of the three by transforming more than 96% of the NH3-N into NO3-N. This was followed by the rotating biological contactor with a 93% efficiency and lastly by the Siporax filter with an almost 93% efficiency. The outcome of the section on the production of Clarias gariepinus follows in Part 2 of this series.
Changes in some water quality conditions in recycling water using three types of biofiltration systems during the production of the sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell): Part II: Growth and production of sharptooth catfish over a period of 78 days
(1999) Prinsloo J.F.; Roets W.; Theron J.; Hoffman L.C.; Schoonbee H.J.
An investigation into the growth and production of the sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) was conducted over a period of 75 d in recirculating water, using three types of biofiltration systems. Yields fluctuating between 195.2 kg and 242.1 kg were obtained with the mean fish mass per m3 of water ranging between 19.5 and 22.5 kg. A biofilter system using PVC shavings was not only found to be the most efficient in the transformation of nitrogenous wastes, but also produced the highest growth and production of catfish as well as the best feed conversion ratio of the three biofiltration systems used.
Comparing the effects on meat quality of conventional hunting and night cropping of impala (Aepyceros melampus)
(2009) Hoffman L.C.; Laubscher L.L.
In South Africa, night cropping from a vehicle is commercially used to crop game. Conventional hunting employs the principles of fair chase and usually consists of hunting on foot during the day. The purpose of this study was to compare the meat quality of the impala (Aepyceros melampus) shot utilizing these two methods. No significant differences in pH45 or pHu were found between the two methods. An exponential decay model (y = a + b -ct) was fitted to the pH data and conventionally hunted animals showed significantly higher rates of pH decline (c = -0.385 ± 0.022 units per hour) than night-cropped animals (c = -0.184 ± 0.019 units per hour) - a phenomenon that may be linked to the ante-mortem stress experienced by the animals, and the cooling rate of the carcasses. Impala conventionally hunted also had significantly higher constants for the pH exponential model (a = 5.424 ± 0.039; b = 1.405 ± 0.034) than the night-cropped impala (a = 5.295 ± 0.033; b = 1.556 ± 0.029). No significant differences were found with regards to meat quality between treatments except for slight differences in colour (night-cropped: a* = 10.56 ± 0.229, chroma = 12.81 ± 0.235; day-hunted: a* = 11.41 ± 0.245, chroma = 13.78 ± 0.252: the later being slightly darker). The study therefore found that conventional hunting affected the rate of pH decline of the carcasses but did not adversely affect the meat quality compared to night cropping.
Comparison of meat quality characteristics between young and old ostriches
(2001) Hoffman L.C.; Fisher P.
Comparison of CIELAB colour values of the m. iliofibularis derived from 14 month old and 8 year old ostriches have indicated that an increase in age is accompanied with a significant (P<0.001) reduction in reflectance (L*) and a signiffcant increase in both a* (P<0.001) and b* (P<0.05) values, the meat thus becoming darker and redder with increased age. Comparison with results found in scientific literature suggest that, similar to other species, toughness also increases with age. Warner Bratzler values of the older ostriches were also higher than published results of 14 month old birds (4.44 kg/1.27 cm dia vs. 5.26 kg/1.27 cm dia). Intramuscular fatty acid composition and content of the older ostriches did not suggest any large variations compared with published results for younger (14 month old) ostriches. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Comparison of six crossbred lamb types: Sensory, physical and nutritional meat quality characteristics
(2003) Hoffman L.C.; Muller M.; Cloete S. W. P. (Schalk Willem Petrus van der Merwe); Schmidt D.
The effect of crossbreeding on lamb meat quality was examined on the M. longissimus dorsi and M. semimembranosus of South African lamb breed combinations. The lambs were sired by Dormer (D) and Suffolk (S) rams and born to Merino (M), Dohne Merino (DM) and SA Mutton Merino (SAMM) ewes to give six breed combinations. Ratings of sensory attributes on the M. semimembranosus of the different lamb breed combinations were obtained from a trained descriptive panel. The moisture, total lipids, protein, ash, mineral content and fatty acid composition of the M. semimembranosus were also obtained. Physical parameters measured on the M. longissimus dorsi were: pH48, drip loss, cooking loss and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS). Breed did not have a significant effect (P > 0.05) on the sensory quality of lamb, except for D × SAMM lambs which only showed a significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) initial juiciness compared to S×M. However, breed had a significant effect on pH 48, WBS, protein content and the fatty acid and mineral composition. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Comparison of the effects of different transport conditions and lairage times in a Mediterranean climate in South Africa on the meat quality of commercially crossbred Large white x Landrace pigs
(2010) Hoffman L.C.; Fisher P.
Information on the effect of road transportation conditions and lairage times on the meat quality of pork under South African conditions is very sparse. In this investigation, the effects of 2 road conditions (rough road with frequent stops - A; smooth road, few stops - B) and 2 lairage holding periods (2 h and 24 h) on the physical meat quality attributes of commercially produced pigs during summer (ambient temperatures >30 °C) in the Western Cape (South Africa) were investigated. Pig meat from pigs transported on a road that caused more stress (A), had lower pH45 (measured 45 min post mortem) values after 2 h lairage than pigs transported over a smoother road. Pigs B had a lower muscle pH24 (measured 24 h post mortem) than group A, indicating that they had more glycogen reserves available for post mortem glycolysis. Road conditions A were more stressful resulting in a higher incidence of PSE pork, as shown by the percentage drip loss and the L* values. When the lairage period was increased to 24 h prior to slaughter, pigs transported under road conditions A had time to replenish their energy reserves and the pH45, drip loss and L* values were within an acceptable range. However, pigs transported under road conditions B had lower pH45 and higher pH24 values, indicating that the lairage period was too long and that energy reserves were depleted in order to adapt to the stressful conditions. Results from this investigation indicate that improvement of the transport/road conditions will result in better pork quality.
Consumer expectations, perceptions and purchasing of South African game meat
(2005) Hoffman L.C.; Muller M.; Schutte D.W.; Calitz F.J.; Crafford K.
The expectations, perceptions and purchasing behaviour of consumers of game meat were Researched by a survey method using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The sample consisted of 300 South African consumers and included 100 white, 100 coloured and 100 black consumers. It is evident that South African consumers perceive game meat differently than they do the 'traditional' meat types such as beef, mutton/lamb, chicken and pork. They do not consider game meat as a 'regular' type of meat, but rather as an exotic, seasonal product. Furthermore, South African consumers indicated that they are not willing to pay more for game meat than other types of meat. South African consumers indicated that they consider the fat content of meat as an important quality when they purchase meat, as they aspire towards consuming lean meat. This research not only shows that South African consumers are ill-informed regarding the positive attributes of game meat, but also that producers and marketers of game meat are not doing enough to promote game meat. This provides an excellent opportunity for game meat producers and marketers, as game meat is lower in fat than pork, lamb or beef.
Differences in the chemical composition and digestibility of cereal hay and straw produced in a Mediterranean rainfall area of South Africa
(2005) Viljoen M.; Brand T.S.; Hoffman L.C.
Chemical composition and digestibility values were obtained to provide a database for accurate values of hay and straw types produced in the Western Cape area of South Africa. Straw and hay samples were collected from 10 different localities in the Swartland and Rûens areas of South Africa. Barley hay had the highest IVOMD value (753.2 g kg-1), followed by wheat (744.9 g kg-1), triticale (720.4 g kg-1) and oats (697.7 g kg-1). Wheat hay had the highest TDN value (670.7 g kg-1), with oats having the lowest value (627.5 g kg-1). Oats was higher in NDF (602.8 g kg-1) compared to the other hay types. ADF values of barley (297.9 g kg-1), oats (342.4 g kg-1) and triticale (323.0 g kg-1) differed significantly. Oat straw had a much higher IVOMD value (392.0 g kg-1) compared to the other straw types. Barley had the lowest IVOMD value (293.2 g kg-1). The TDN value of oats (444.8 g kg-1) was higher than for the other straw types. Barley straw had the highest NDF value (817.7 g kg-1), which differed from oats (781 2 g kg-1) and triticale (795.4 g kg-1). There were significant differences in the ash, CP, IVOMD, TDN and ADF contents of straw produced in the Swartland and Rûens areas. Ash, CP, IVOMD and ADF values of cereal straw samples were higher when produced in the Rûens. NDF values were higher in cereal straw samples from the Rûens, except for barley (from the Swartland), which had a higher NDF value. The TDN value of cereal straw was higher for the samples collected in the Rûens compared to those from the Swartland, although wheat and triticale showed higher TDN values when sampled in the Swartland. These differences should be taken into account when hay and straw from the different areas are used in formulating a balanced diet. This accentuates the importance of routine analysis of hay and cereal straw before use in diet formulations.
Effect of production system on the growth rate, carcass characteristics and carcass composition of Dorper lambs
(2012) Cloete J.J.E.; Hoffman L.C.; Claasen B.; Cloete S. W. P. (Schalk Willem Petrus van der Merwe)
An investigation on the effect of production system on growth rate, carcass characteristics and carcass composition of Dorper lambs was carried out under South African conditions. The study involved sixty lambs which were divided into two production/feeding groups (feedlot (FL) vs. free-range (FR)) at weaning. Each group consisted of 10 lambs from three gender classes (ewes, rams and castrates). The FL-lambs were fed a commercial pelleted ration while the FR-group grazed natural pastures. The production system x gender interaction indicated that male lambs (castrates and rams) grew twice as fast as ewes under FL-conditions. Gender groups were less pronounced in FR-lambs. FL-lambs produced heavier carcasses, higher dressing percentages and greater carcass fatness levels than FR-lambs. Ram lambs attained heavier slaughter weights and produced heavier carcasses than ewe lambs with castrates being intermediate. Production system did not have an effect on intramuscular lipid concentration, barring a tendency in the Biceps femoris muscle. It was concluded that the FL-diets were generally associated with better lamb growth rates, greater carcass fatness and an improved dressing percentage. Although animal performance was generally improved in the more intensive FL-system, it was also concluded that discerning consumers will likely prefer the more natural (and therefore more ethically acceptable) FR-meat.
Effect of season and gender on the physical and chemical composition of black wildebeest (Connochaetus gnou) meat
(2009) Hoffman L.C.; Schalkwyk S.V.; Muller N.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different seasons and gender on the physical and chemical composition of black wildebeest (Connochaetus gnou) meat. Twenty-six black wildebeest were harvested at Maria Moroka Nature Reserve, in the Free State Province, South Africa, during winter, spring and autumn. Mean body and carcass weight did not differ (P > 0.05) between either seasons or genders. However, dressing percentage was higher (P < 0.05) for males (53.19%) than for females (50.65%). Initial (pH 45min) and ultimate pH (pH24 h) of the M. longissimus dorsi differed (P > 0.05) between seasons, whereas differences (P < 0.05) in temperature of carcasses measured 24 h post-mortem could be ascribed to differences in ambient temperature. Meat from animals harvested during spring (5.52 and 39.63%) had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) drip and cooking loss compared to those harvested in winter (2.27 and 34.59%) and autumn (3.61 and 33.88%). Meat was the most (P < 0.05) tender during autumn (2.27 kg/1.27 cm diameter) while that of females was more tender than the males. The colour of the meat was darker in winter (L*-value of 28.90) compared to spring (34.08) and autumn (32.91). Protein content of the m. longissimus dorsi was lowest (P < 0.05) in spring (20.45%). Lipid content was highest (P < 0.05) in winter (1.22%) and also lowest (P < 0.05) in males (0.90). Although season has significant Influences on some physical and chemical characteristics of meat from the black wildebeest, the extent of these differences does not necessitate a different classification system.

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