Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) Meat

Abstract

The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has been introduced to parts of South Africa outside of its known range. The species is considered an agricultural pest and a threat to the natural environment. As some farmers are employing a shoot on sight strategy, our study aimed to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of warthog meat according to sex. Five muscles from male warthogs had higher shear force values (i.e. were less tender) compared to females. Allmuscles had a total protein content >20% and total lipid content ≤2.2%. The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids of the Longissimus lumborum muscle was <0.45. We also provide descriptive data on the characteristics of carcass yields and meat from juvenile sows and boars. It is suggested that warthog meat should be produced and marketed as whole muscle cuts and not as the typical commercial cuts used for domestic animals.