Contribution to the morphometric characterization and physico-chemical analysis of meat of porcupines (Hystrix cristata ) in Tlemcen region

Abstract

In Algeria, the work undertaken on the ecology of wild rodents mainly focuses on gerbils and merions, and Cténdactylideae. As for hystricide, to our knowledge studies are non-existent although porcupine (Hystrix cristata). Although being a protected species, the porcupine is considered an agricultural pest, with tasty meat, and therefore largely poached. This study took place over a two-year cycle from 2017 to 2019. Field investigations began in region of Tlemcen. A survey was carried out to collect information; we used 25 questions about farmer and hunter like age, jobs, profession ...) also a question about the use of porcupine in this area and how the farmer and hunter deal with this animal. Sampling was carried out on individuals of both sexes, male and female. A total of 22 individuals were sampled, including 12 males and 10 females. The description of the qualitative characteristics was made using a visual examination. Two qualitative variables were studied. The description of the quantitative characteristics was carried out using a tape measure in which each animal was subjected to 15 body measurements. For the physico-chemical analysis, 100 g of fresh meat from two healthy individuals was used. Descriptive analysis revealed that females are larger than males; the black color of the skin (59.09%) is the most dominant compared to the dark brown (36.36%) and light brown (4.54%) color. Principal component analysis (PCA) has shown that all quantitative variables are positively correlated with each other. The principal component analysis of individuals by region shows that the majority of individuals from the interior plains have high values ​​(Maghnia and Remchi) and the majority of individuals from forest areas have the lowest values ​​(Ghazawat, Mafrouche and Ain fezza) . Principal component analysis of individuals by sex shows that females contain high values ​​compared to males. Principal component analysis of individuals by skin color shows no difference between individuals. The ascending hierarchical classification (CAH) confirmed the results of the CPA which allowed us to distinguish 4 classes. The results of physico-chemical analysis of the fresh meat of 2 individuals (male and female) of the Ghanmi breed, for 100g of fresh meat reveal that the protein content is 21.5-20 g, the lipid content is quite important in the female compared to the male (3g in the female and 1.35 g in the male). In contrast, the carbohydrate content and per 100 g of meat was zero