Carcass fabrication: non-domesticated neotropical mammals vs. selected domesticated livestock

Abstract

This study compared the various meat cuts and fabricated parts of selected domesticated and non-domesticated neo-tropical mammals. The domesticated animals utilized were the eight chicken (Gallus domesticus) and eight rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) whilst the non-domesticated species were the eight agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) and  three manicou (Didelphis marsupialis insularis). The carcasses were processed in two ways; four carcasses were singed and the other four carcasses were processed by removing the skin with a knife. The manicou carcasses were only singed and were captured by hunters in comparison to the chicken, rabbit and agouti which were reared in captivity. The agoutis were reared in captivity and fed local crops and vegetables and were supplemented with commercial ration (Mastermix^®). However, the chicken and the rabbits had the majority of their diet consisting of commercial ration (Mastermix ^®). The chicken and rabbits had the greater live weights in comparison to the agouti. The chicken had the highest live weight (3725±167 g), the agouti had the lowest live weight (2614±354 g) and the rabbit a live weight (2691±283 g) between that of the chicken and the agouti. The agouti and the manicou also had less hot carcass weight in comparison to the domesticated livestock species (chicken and rabbit). The non-domesticated species, manicou and the agouti, produced less carcass weight and meat in comparison to domesticated species but were considered more sustainable. Due to the fact that non-domesticated mammals can be fed crop and agricultural by-products which are not fit for human consumption and convert it into animal protein for human consumption. These non-domesticated animal species can be used together with crop by-products in an integrated production system. Further work must be done on the non-domesticated species to attain the growth rates and the most economical time period for market.