QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF FRESH AND FROZEN MEAT FROM RABBITS FED DIFFERENT LEVELS OF GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM

Abstract

This study compares the effects of different levels (0 to 50%) of Gliricidia sepiun leaves on the processing, proximate composition, and organoleptic characteristics of male and female rabbits using a 3 x 2 x2 factorial design. The effect of 8 weeks of cold storage at - 20+20 C on acceptability of the rabbit meat was also evaluated. The data obtained showed that the live-weight, dressing percentage, and fat content of the rabbits fed 25% Gliricidia sepium were higher than those from 0 % (control) or 50 % level at 10 weeks old. The total cooking losses were higher by 15 to 24% in the frozen roasts, due mainly to increased drip and evaporative losses which were also slightly higher in the female carcasses. The expressible moistrue index (EMI) increased in the frozen samples, and no significant difference (P>0.05) was found to be attributable to diet. The final moisture content and cook yield of the frozen samples decreased, whereas the ash content was not significantly affected by sex or diet. However, the protein and fat contents, and pH increased regardless of sex in all the cooked samples. The sensory evaluation results are suminarized as follows: (1) fresh roasts from rabbits fed 25% Gliricidia sepiun were preferred, possibly, influenced by tenderness scores and slightly higher fat content; and (2) meat roasts from the frozen samples did not differ on overall acceptability, although the palatability scores diminished at the end of 8 weeks of frozen storage, and panelists did not detect any significant differences (P>0.05) attributable to diet or sex.