An evaluation of the carcass quality of male Tenrec (Tenrec ecaudatus), a non-conventional source of meat protein in mauritius

Abstract

The tenrec (Tenrec ecaudatus; Order : Insectivora; Class : Tenrecinae) is consumed by a small section of the population, and constitutes a non-conventional  source of animal protein. Male tenrecs were hunted in early October and in late November, and a comparison in carcass composition was made between the two periods. The carcasses of males hunted early in the hunting season showed a higher fat content (P<0.05), compared to males hunted in late November. Adipose fat was dissected in similar depots (subcutaneous, suprarenal and mesenteric fat) at both periods, but the total weight of adipose fat was significantly higher in males hunted in early October, compared to late November (36.16g vs 7.89g; P<0.01). There were no fat depots around the heart at both periods. The total weight of edible meat yield was significantly greater in male tenrecs hunted in early October (P<0.05).

Keywords : Tenrec (Tenrec ecaudatus), male, carcass quality, non-conventional meat protein.