Gamebirds : a sustainable food source in Southern Africa
Date
2013-02
Authors
Geldenhuys, Greta
Hoffman, Louwrens C.
Muller, Nina
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SpringerLink
Abstract
In order to alleviate the current food security
situation the world is faced with, it is essential to investigate
meat sources which have the potential to be used in a
sustainable manner. This review provides substantial arguments
to prove the viability of sport hunted wildfowl as a
food source in Southern Africa. However, before the use of
wildfowl meat can be realised, there are certain challenges
to overcome in order to ensure meat of the best possible
quality reaches the consumer. Important aspects to consider
regarding the eating quality of wildfowl meat are identified
and include the physical activity of the different portions
and muscle fibre types, diet, breeding, age and gender as
well as the post mortem handling/ageing of the meat. The
safety issues involved in producing gamebird meat i.e. shot
contamination (microbial or lead), are also discussed. Other
areas that warrant scientific research include investigating
the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may have an influence
on the ultimate meat quality and exploring possible techniques
of improving the eating quality of wildfowl meat. The
insights these investigations will provide have the potential
to increase the commercial viability, directly or indirectly, of
African wildfowl meat and thus contribute to food security.
Description
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://www.springer.com/life+sciences/agriculture/journal/12571
The original publication is available at http://www.springer.com/life+sciences/agriculture/journal/12571
Keywords
Game and game-birds, Use of gamebird meat, Egyptian geese, Guineafowl, Meat quality, Food security
Citation
Geldenhuys, G., Hoffman, L. C. & Muller, N. 2013. Gamebirds : a sustainable food source in Southern Africa. Food Security, doi:10.1007/s12571-013-0245-0.