Effect Of Salting Research Articles

Dry-Cured Ham, ‘Kraški Pršut’, from Heavy Pig Production—A Pilot Study Focusing on the Effect of Ham Weight and Salting

A pilot study was conducted with the aim of adapting the processing of “Kraški pršut”, dry-cured ham, for thighs from heavy pigs. The focus was on the effect of ham weight and salting duration on the quality of dry-cured ham. From a pool of thighs harvested from heavy pigs, a total of 32 green hams were selected (from 16 carcasses) based on weight (two classes; L—lighter, H—heavier) and we used left and right ham for either the standard or a shortened salting phase. Salting duration consisted of phase 1 (7 days for all hams) and phase 2 (7 or 14 days for L, 10 or 17 days for H, in the case of shortened and standard salting, respectively). Equivalent conditions for all hams were maintained during the remaining phases, with a total maturation period of 18 months. The analysis focused on chemical, physical and rheological properties, sensory attributes, and consumer perceptions. The H hams had lower processing losses, resulting in higher moisture and water activity, lower salt content in internal biceps femoris muscle, and a softer texture (instrumental and sensory) than L hams. The salting duration mainly affected weight losses in the salting phase and, consequently, salt content, which was lower in the shortened salting phase, while no effects were observed on texture. The sensory panel perceived weight’s effect on hardness, with L hams being perceived as harder, and salting’s effect on sourness, with hams submitted to longer salting perceived as sourer than H hams. Consumer testing indicated a general preference for softer and less salty hams. Overall, the results show that the applied reduction in salting duration was not substantial, and future trials should explore further optimization in terms of salting and resting phases.

Effect of Dry Salting and Brining on the Consumer Acceptance of Saccharina latissima (Sugar Kelp)

Effect of Dry Salting and Brining on the Consumer Acceptance of Saccharina latissima (Sugar Kelp)

Impact of brining and drying processes on the nutritive value of tambaqui fish (Colossoma macropomum).

Preservation of fish as diet ingredient is challenging in many tropical regions due to poor socioeconomic conditions and lack of freezing facilities. So, alternative preservation techniques could be viable to address the issue. The present study evaluated the effect of brine salting (15% w/v) prior to drying at different temperatures on the nutrient profiles of tambaqui fish (Colossoma macropomum). Whole fish samples (n = 48; 792 ± 16 g; 8 months old) were grouped into two as brine-salted and non-salted, and treated at seven different drying temperatures of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60°C for a period of 23 h each. To evaluate the impact of Maillard reaction, reactive lysine was also quantified. Drying temperature had no effect on the evaluated macro- and micro-nutrients of tambaqui fish (P > 0.05) while brining reduced the overall protein concentration by 6% (58.8 to 55.4 g/100 g DM; P = 0.004). Brining significantly reduced many amino acids: taurine by 56% (7.1 to 3.1 g/kg; P < 0.001), methionine 17% (14.7 to 12.1 g/kg; P < 0.001), cysteine 11% (5.1 to 4.4 g/kg, P = 0.016), and reactive lysine 11% (52.0 to 46.4 g/kg; P = 0.004). However, alanine, arginine, and serine were not affected by brining (P > 0.05). Brining also reduced the concentrations of Se by 14% (149 to 128 μg/kg DM; P = 0.020), iodine 38% (604 to 373 μg/kg DM; P = 0.020), K 42% (9.71 to 5.61 g/kg DM; P < 0.001) and Mg 18% (1.32 to 1.10 g/kg DM; P = < 0.001) versus an anticipated vast increase in Na by 744% (2.70 to 22.90 g/kg DM; P < 0.001) and ash 28% (12.4 to 16.0 g/100g DM; P < 0.001) concentration. Neither brining nor drying temperature induced changes in % lysine reactivity and fat content of tambaqui fish (P > 0.05). Agreeably, results of multivariate analysis showed a negative association between brining, Na, and ash on one side of the component and most other nutrients on the other component. In conclusion, drying without brining may better preserve the nutritive value of tambaqui fish. However, as a practical remark to the industry sector, it is recommended that the final product may further evaluated for any pathogen of economic or public health importance.

Pre-rigor salting improves gel strength and water-holding of surimi gel made from snakehead fish (Channa argus): The role of protein oxidation

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pre-rigor salting on the quality characteristics of surimi gels prepared from snakehead fish muscle. Pre-rigor and post-rigor muscle were mixed with 0.3% or 3% NaCl (w/w) and made into surimi gels, respectively. Results showed that pre-rigor muscle had a higher content of ATP, longer sarcomere, higher pH and greater protein solubility. Metabolic profile suggested that pre-rigor muscle had higher content (a 28-fold increase) of antioxidants such as butyryl-l-carnitine. Transmission electron microscopy showed more damage of mitochondria in post-rigor muscle. Surimi paste from pre-rigor meat chopped with 3% NaCl generally showed greater radical scavenging ability and had higher content of free sulfhydryl. Surimi gel made from pre-rigor muscle salted with 3% NaCl showed a larger gel strength (3.18 kg*mm vs. 2.22 kg*mm) and better water-holding (86% vs. 80%) than that of post-rigor group. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that: In addition to other factors such as pH, degree of denaturation, etc., less protein oxidation in pre-rigor salted surimi also contributes to the improved gel properties.

Effect of salting and dehydration treatments on the physicochemical and gel properties of hen and duck egg yolks, plasma and granules.

Salted hen egg yolks are less oily and less flavorful than salted duck egg yolks. However, hen eggs have a more adequate market supply and have a broader application prospect than duck eggs. In the present study, egg yolks, plasma, and granules were dehydrated by adding 1% NaCl to simulate traditional curing process of salted egg yolk. The changes in the pickling process of hen egg yolks (HEY) and duck egg yolks (DEY) plasma and granules were compared to reveal the gelation mechanism and the underlying causes of quality differences in salted HEY and DEY. Salted HEY can be compared with the changes in DEY during the pickling process to provide a theoretical basis for the quality improvement of salted HEY to salted DEY. The results showed that both plasma and granules were involved in gel formation, but exhibited different aggregation behaviors. Based on the intermolecular forces, the HEY proteins achieved aggregation mainly through hydrophobic interactions and DEY proteins mainly through covalent binding. According to spin-spin relaxation time, HEY gels immobilized a large amount of lipid and interacted strongly with lipids. DEY gels showed much free lipid and had weak interaction with lipid. The microstructure showed that HEY proteins were easily unfolded to form a homogeneous three-dimensional gel network structure after salting, whereas heterogeneous aggregates were formed to hinder the gel development in DEY. Changes in protein secondary structure content showed that pickling can promote the transformation of the α-helices to β-sheets structure in HEY gels, whereas more α-helices structure was formed in DEY gels. The present study has demonstrated that different gelation behaviors of hen and duck egg yolk proteins (especially in plasma) through salting treatment led to the difference in the quality of salted HEY and DEY. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Salting and Ripening Conditions on the Characteristics of a Reduced-Fat, Semi-Hard, Sheep Milk Cheese.

This study aimed to assess the effect of salting and ripening conditions on the features of sheep milk, reduced-fat, semi-hard cheese. Eight groups of cheese, with an average fat content of ≅10.5%, moisture on non-fat substances (MNFS) ≅ 56%, a protein-to-fat ratio of 2.9 and pH 5.1, were manufactured and analyzed throughout ripening. The experimental factors were the salting method (brine- or dry-salting), the salt content (control- and reduced-salt) and the ripening temperature sequence (11 or 18 °C at the 3rd and 4th week). Brine-salted cheese exhibited significantly more adequate (p < 0.05) textural and organoleptic characteristics compared to its dry-salted counterpart, i.e., lower hardness, gumminess and adhesiveness, with higher lightness and flavor scores. The mean salt reduction from 2.1 to 1.6% exhibited significant effects (p < 0.05), i.e., increased moisture and MNFS, decreased hardness, gumminess, chewiness and adhesiveness, and increased lightness and meltability of cheese without affecting the microbiological stability or impairing the organoleptic parameters. Ripening at 18 °C at weeks 3-4 significantly increased (p < 0.05) proteolysis and concentrations of lactic and citric acid without affecting meltability, textural or organoleptic features. In conclusion, brine-salting, salt reduction by 20% and the elevation of temperature at a particular ripening period improved the characteristics of this type of reduced-fat sheep milk cheese.

Combined effect of brine salting and high-hydrostatic-pressure processing to improve the microbial quality and physicochemical properties of milkfish fillet

ABSTRACT The effects of soaking milkfish fillet in 3% or 9% NaCl brines for 90 min at 4°C, and followed by processing with varying hydrostatic pressures (300, 400, 500, and 600 MPa) for 5 min on microbial quality and physicochemical properties were evaluated. After brine salting, the color of the fillet, the L* (lightness), W (whiteness), and ΔE (color difference) values increased with the increases in pressure, whereas the a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) values decreased, indicating that the fillet became brighter and whiter. Among them, 3% brine salting combined with pressures of 300 and 400 MPa groups had higher redness (a* value) and lower ΔE value compared to the higher pressure groups. Regarding the texture of the fillet, the hardness and chewiness of unsalted fish were significantly higher than that of brine salted fish under the same pressure, whereas the cohesiveness of the unsalted fillet was significantly lower than that of brine salted fillet. The results indicates that brine salting could make the instrumental texture of fish softer, which can compensate for the disadvantages of increased hardness and chewiness of the fillet caused by high-pressure processing. Brine salting combined with high pressure produced a significantly reducing effect on aerobic plate count (APC), psychrotrophic bacteria count (PBC), and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) values of the fish as compared with that by brine salting or high pressure alone. Therefore, brine salting at a proper brine concentration (3%) and followed by high-pressure processing at 300 or 400 MPa for 5 min can improve or maintain a relatively good color and texture, as well as result in a synergistic bactericidal effect.

Modelling water and salt diffusion of cold-smoked Atlantic salmon initially immersed in refrigerated seawater versus on ice

The effect of dry salting during the cold-smoking process was evaluated on Atlantic salmon initially stored in refrigerated seawater (RSW) or ice. A 2D mathematical model was developed from first principles, simulating the heat and mass transfer process during dry salting at increasing salting duration. This model was validated using experimental values and compared with the empirical model of Zugarramurdi and Lupín. The predicted values were used for water activity prediction and validated. It was found that salting duration influenced drip loss, redness and yellowness, texture, water activity, salt uptake and water loss. Smoked salmon from RSW fish were more reddish with a lower water activity than iced fish after vacuum storage. Drip loss and colour were significantly influenced by the processing step (salting, smoking and storage). Overall, the model presented reasonable predictions for temperature, salt and water content, water activity and was in close agreement with the empirical model.

Effect of Salt Concentration on the Preparation and Quality of Lemon Pickle (Nimki)

The main aim was to study the effect of dry salting (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% by weight) on the quality of lemon pickle. The samples were analyzed for microbial profile (Yeast, mold) and chemical characteristics at 15 days intervals till 90 days and the organoleptic quality of the product was evaluated after 90 days of storage. The data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA (no blocking) at a 5% level of significance results showed that titratable acidity decreased with storage time till 60 days and remained constant thereafter at all levels of salt concentrations; Vitamin C remained fairly constant at all levels of salt concentrations over the storage periods whereas it decreased steadily during storage in the control sample (i.e. 0%); Mold count was nil at 15 days for all the level of salt except control and 5% concentration and Yeast count increased with storage time regardless of the salt% used in a lemon pickle. The optimized salt concentration for the preservation of lemon was found to be 15% salt which was the best product through sensory evaluation with the least microbial load and having appreciable sensory attributes and good vitamin C retention.

The combined effect of pulsed electric field treatment and brine salting on changes in the oxidative stability of lipids and proteins and color characteristics of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

A combined effect of pulsed electric field application and salting in a brine with 5 and 10% w/w NaCl on oxidative stability of lipids and proteins, as well as color characteristics of sea bass samples, was assessed in the study. The applied intensity of the current was set at 10 and 20 A corresponding to 300 and 600 V cm−1, respectively. Pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in primary and secondary lipid oxidation products expressed as peroxide value, conjugated dienes and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in PEF-treated samples compared to untreated ones. Conjugated dienes, as unstable primary oxidation products, correlated with b∗-value (p < 0.05, R = 0.789), suggesting their contribution to the yellowness of the fish flesh due to fast decomposition and conversion into secondary oxidation products yielding yellow pigmentation.However, none of the fish samples treated at the higher current intensity of 20 A exceeded the acceptable level of 5 meq active oxygen/kg lipid according to the requirements of the Standard for fish oils CODEX STAN 329–2017, suggesting acceptable oxidative status quality of sea bass samples after the treatment. PEF-treated fish samples also showed a significant increase in Schiff bases and total carbonyls on day 5 and day 8 of brine salting compared to non-treated samples, revealing a strong effect of electroporation on protein oxidation.

Reliability of LipidSearch software identification and its application to assess the effect of dry salting on the long-chain free fatty acid profile of tilapia muscles

Dry salting has important effects on food lipids. In this work, the reliability of LipidSearch software identification and its application to assess the effect of dry salting on the long-chain free fatty acid profile of tilapia muscles were studied by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q-Extractive Orbitrap mass spectrometry and LipidSearch software. Compared with the standard reference identification method, the LipidSearch software identification method was suggested to be a reliable identification method for long-chain free fatty acid identification. During the dry salting process, tilapia muscles with low muscle-to-salt mass ratios of 3–8 might have stable and similar free fatty acid profile changes, and the free fatty acid amounts decreased and then increased with time. This work could provide useful information to evaluate the development and application of LipidSearch software as well as a way to analyze the effect of dry salting on the free fatty acids change of aquatic products.

Methods to assess the effect of meat processing on viability of Toxoplasma gondii: towards replacement of mouse bioassay by in vitro testing

Consumption of meat containing viable tissue cysts is considered one of the main sources of human infection with Toxoplasma gondii. In contrast to fresh meat, raw meat products usually undergo processing, including salting and mixing with other additives such as sodium acetate and sodium lactate, which affects the viability of T. gondii. However, the experiments described in the literature are not always performed in line with the current processing methods applied in industry. It was our goal to study the effect of salting and additives according to the recipes used by industrial producers. Mouse or cat bioassay is the ‘gold standard’ to demonstrate the presence of viable T. gondii. However, it is costly, time consuming and for ethical reasons not preferred for large-scale studies.Therefore, we first aimed to develop an alternative for mouse bioassay that can be used to determine the effect of processing on the viability of T. gondii tissue cysts. The assays studied were (i) a cell culture method to determine the parasite’s ability to multiply, and (ii) a propidium monoazide (PMA) dye-based assay to selectively detect DNA from intact parasites. Processing experiments were performed with minced meat incubated for 20 h with low concentrations of NaCl, sodium lactate and sodium acetate. NaCl appeared to be the most effective ingredient with only one or two out of eight mice infected after inoculation with pepsin-digest of portions processed with 1.0, 1.2 and 1.6% NaCl. Results of preliminary experiments with the PMA-based method were inconsistent and did not sufficiently discriminate between live and dead parasites. In contrast, the cell culture method showed promising results, but further optimization is needed before it can replace or reduce the number of mouse bioassays needed. In future, standardised in vitro methods are necessary to allow more extensive testing of product-specific processing methods, thereby providing a better indication of the risk of T. gondii infection for consumers.

Экстракция молибдат и вольфрамат-ионов в системе без органического растворителя

Extraction of macro- and microamounts of molybdate ions (MoO42-) and microamounts of tungstate ions (WO42-) in the stratified system antipyrine (AP) - sulfosalicylic acid (SSC) – water is investigated. The effects of acidity and pH on the process of extraction are examined. Under conditions of 0,25 mol/l HNO3 (pH = 1,52) high degree of extraction of molybdate-ions (~94 %) is achieved. Under conditions of 0,5 mol/l HCl (pH = 1,383) degree of extraction of tungstate-ions does not exceed 77%. Effect of inorganic salting out agents (NH4Cl, NaCl, NH4NO3, NaNO3, (NH4)2SO4, Na2SO4) on E(Mo) and E(W) % is given. The maximum degree of extraction of molybdenum (VI) ~ 99.2% is achieved in the presence of Na2SO4 (0,50−0,75 mol/l). The maximum degree of extraction of tungsten (VI) ~ 97% is achieved in the presence of Na2SO4 (0,9 mol/l) or NaCl (2,5 mol/l).

Combined effect of light salting and vacuum packaging on the microbiological, chemical, and sensory attributes of mullet fillets ( Mugil cephalus ) during refrigerated and frozen/refrigerated storage

The combined effect of light salting and vacuum packaging (VP) on shelf life of mullet fillets during refrigerated and frozen/refrigerated storage, was investigated for a period up to 37 days. Treatments included (a) salting of fish for 24 hr, air packaging and refrigerating (C), (b) salting for 24 hr, VP and refrigerating (VP1), (c) salting for 12 hr, VP and refrigerating (VP2), and (d) salting for 24 hr, VP, freezing for 9 days, defrosting and refrigerating (FVP1). Quality attributes monitored during storage included microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory parameters. Results showed that Lactic acid bacteria, within total viable counts, constituted the major spoilage group of microorganisms. Microbiological data indicated that VP1 was the most effective treatment for product shelf life extension. Total volatile basic nitrogen, Trimethylamine, Thiobarbituric acid, and pH values increased during storage. Finally, sensory evaluation data indicated a product shelf life of ca. 8–9 days for C samples, 10 days for VP2, 13 days for FVP1, and 27–30 days for VP1 samples. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The combined use of light salting and vacuum packaging proved to be effective for the shelf life extension of mullet fillets, a traditional sea food delicacy consumed in various parts of the world. Based on experimental results obtained, light salting and vacuum packaged mullet fillets may be commercialized having a refrigerated shelf life of approximately 4 weeks.

Effect of salting and pressing on quality characteristics of spotted sardine (Amblygaster sirm) during different storage conditions

The effect of pre-treatment (salting and pressing) on the keeping qualities of spotted sardine (Amblygaster sirm) was investigated. Fish were stored under two different conditions of temperature and relative humidity: Massawa ambient conditions (M; 30–35 °C/46–55%) and air conditioned room (A; 25–29.5 °C/48–61%). Microbiological analysis (total plate count, total coliforms, E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella spp., V. parahaemolyticus, halophilic count and total fungal count), biochemical analysis (crude protein, moisture, fat, ash, mineral content, pH, salt content, color), lipid oxidation (total lipids, free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid value (TBARS), p-anisidine value) and sensory properties were measured on a weekly basis (6 weeks).There was a decrease in the moisture content but no significant changes (p < 0.05) in crude protein (24.19–26.44%), fat (4.5–6.32%) or ash (11.8–13.0%) contents under the two storage conditions. The oxidation indicators (FFA, PV, TBARS, and p-anisidine value) were below the maximum allowable values. Salmonella and V. parahaemolyticus were absent, while the other microbiological quality indicators were below maximum allowable levels. The color of the fish darkened (L* = 49.27) after salting and pressing, due to dehydration. Sensory evaluation indicated that the sardines from both storage treatments were acceptable to the consumer.

ITRAQ-based quantitative proteomic characterizes the salting exudates of Jinhua ham during the salting process

Exudates of ham usually generate at salting stage and it can provide complete and homogeneous biochemical information that whole ham occurred. To evaluate the effect of salting on Jinhua ham, 40 hams were randomly and equally assigned to two groups. One group was salted using 6% sodium chloride (NaCl) (LS), and the another group was salted using 8% NaCl (HS). The proteomic profile of the exudates, microstructure and curing loss of ham were investigated after salting. LS and HS groups showed a similar change in curing loss and in cell rupture from day 1 to day 7, and no obvious difference was found in the release of proteins from muscle tissue. A total of 688 proteins were identified from exudates using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification; sharing 70.8% of the differentially abundant proteins (340 proteins) was found in the comparison between day 1 and day 7 in both LS and HS groups. Functional annotations indicated that differentially abundant proteins primarily participated in metabolism, cell structure, binding proteins, signal transduction, and stress and defense in LS and HS groups, respectively. These results indicated that the reduction of NaCl from 8 to 6% did not cause a negative effect at salting stage of ham. Further research is needed to confirm that the effect of salting (6% NaCl) on the flavour development of Jinhua ham at ripening stage.

Optimization of proteolysis and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition activity in a model cheese using response surface methodology

Adjunct cultures including lactobacilli play important role in cheese proteolysis and bioactivity including Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)-inhibition and antioxidant activity. Four species of lactobacilli was used in the manufacture of model cheese and these were salted at different levels and the resultant cheeses were ripened at different time and temperature to understand the effect of salting and ripening conditions. The effects of the use of various of lactobacilli (Lactobacillus casei, Lb. helveticus, Lb. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Lb. plantarum), salt concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%), ripening times (1, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days) and temperatures (5, 10, 15 and 20 °C) were investigated. The experiments were designed to determine the optimal salt concentration, ripening times and temperatures for optimal proteolysis, the highest levels of ACE-inhibition and antioxidant activity. The highest level of proteolysis and ACE-inhibiting activity in the model cheese was observed when ripening temperatures were between 8 and 16 °C, salt concentration at 2.5–3.0% and with a ripening period of about 60 days. The use of each lactobacilli contributed to the proteolysis in different manner; for example, ACE-inhibiting activity and antioxidant activity in the model cheese.

Effect of salting and cold-smoking procedures on Atlantic salmon originating from pre-or post rigor filleted raw material. Based on the measurement of physiochemical characteristics

Different methods in use for cold smoking of salmon affect product yield and quality. The combinations of filleting time (pre or post), salting methods (dry or injection), salting targets (2.5 or 4%) and smoking temperatures (15 or 25 °C) were studied during 6 weeks of 4 °C cold storage. Salting method had the greatest influence on flesh quality. Injection salting led to 15% higher fillet yield, moderate to strong gaping score, softer texture, and paler fish compared with dry salting. Pre-rigor filleting reduced fillet gaping from a moderate to minor score, but only in dry salted fillets. Smoking at 15 °C reduced yield by 0.5% in injected salted fish, compared with 25 °C. The combination of pre-rigor filleting, dry salting and 15 °C smoking temperature gave the lowest gaping incidence and highest shear force and flesh colour. Liquid loss increased by 240% and the L-value by 6.5 units during 6 weeks cold storage, whereas the other quality parameters measured showed only small changes during the storage period.

Microstructural characteristics of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) muscle: effect of salting and processing

ABSTRACTThe effect of salt concentration on the processing and characteristics of turbot muscle was investigated in this study. The turbot muscle samples were salted with 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% w/w salt at 4°C for 3 h. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance was utilized to characterize water distribution and water holding capacity in the samples. Nuclear magnetic resonance transverse (T2) relaxation identified three water components (T21, T22, and T23) which all exhibited characteristics correlated with water holding capacity. Textural analysis indicated that hardness and elasticity increased with increasing salt concentration. Histological imaging showed that with the increase of salt concentration, the muscle fiber diameter and area increased first and then decreased. The porosity of salted samples was higher than that of fresh ones. It was shown that salting at lower salt concentrations would lead to partial degradation of the fibrin in the tissue samples and the swelling of proteins. In treated samples, 5% w/w salt was shown to produce the best results. This study provides theoretical basis for the development of salted turbot meat products.

Effect of salting and ripening on the physicochemical and sensory quality of goat and sheep cured legs

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of sheep and goat cured legs were evaluated. The pH values (5.7–5.8) and aw (0.87 and 0.83) found to be adequate to control meat deterioration, promoting safety and stability to shelf life of products with respect to microbial growth. The high protein (46.2 and 38.4%) and low fat (5.3 and 8.7%) percentages of the goat and sheep cured legs were the main evidence of the effect of salting and ripening processes. A low cholesterol content of 4.5% is particularly evident in sheep cured legs. Curing process produced a slight increase in the P/S ratio 0.23 and 0.17 for goat and sheep cured legs, respectively. TBARS values are much lower than the value of 2mg of MDA/Kg which is the upper limit of rancidity. Physico-chemical and sensory characteristics indicate that producing cured goat and sheep legs from cull animals can be an interesting way of adding value to animals with very low commercial prices.