Physico chemical characteristics and oxidative stability of South African beef and pork droëwors

MUKUMBO, FELICITAS E.; ARNAUD ELODIE; COLLIGNAN, ANTOINE; HOFFMAN LOWRENS; DESCALZO ADRIANA; MUCHENJE, VOSTER

Port Elisabeth

Congreso; 50th South African Society for Animal Science Congress, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 18 au 21 septembre.; 2017

SASAS

Africa shows great potential for animal agriculture, due to its climatic and agricultural conditions, as well as the ability and resources to accommodate and nurture various indigenous and exotic animal breeds. However, this trend does not seem to reach its full potential and some reasons for this have been identified, but have not been adequately addressed. Animal welfare conditions can be highlighted as one of the major contributing factors to the stunted progress in accessing some markets. Consumers have become increasingly concerned about the conditions animals are reared in, particularly regarding their wellbeing and health. Furthermore, these factors have been flagged and scientifically proven to affect product quality. A well taken care of and healthy animal gives good quality products such as meat, milk, skins and hides, as well as others. The protocols followed to ensure and evaluate farm animal welfare require investigation, innovation and sustainable technologies in order to enhance animal productivity, efficiency and product quality. While there are international animal welfare standards in the developed world, there are inherent factors that hinder adoption of such in most developing regions, such as Africa. These include cultural norms and practices, social ranking, socio-economic status, available resources, information dissemination and monitoring tools. These shortcomings are more often experienced by communal farmers.