Carcass and meat quality traits of wild boar (Sus scrofa s. L.) with 2n=36 karyotype compared to those of phenotypically similar crossbreeds (2n=37 and 2n=38) raised under the same farming conditions 2

The Use of Apple Vinegar from Natural Fermentation in the Technology Production of Raw-Ripened Wild Boar Loins

Wild boar meat is difficult to process, mainly due to its hardness and stringiness. Three types of raw-ripened wild boar loins were produced (C-control treatment, R1 and R2-treatments with the addition of apple vinegar in various production variants). The research aimed to develop a new innovative technology for the production of wild boar loin using apple vinegar for marinating and to determine the impact of apple vinegar on the microbiological and sensory quality, and physico-chemical parameters of the product. As part of the research, a technology for the production of ripened wild boar products was developed and the composition of fatty acids, cholesterol content, pH value, oxidation-reduction potential, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) index, color, microbiological, sensory, and statistical analysis were determined. It was found that the loins were characterized by a high content of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (20.18-43.37%), a low content of trans fatty acids (0.30-0.57%), and a high cholesterol content (75.13-85.28 mg/100 g of the product). Samples with apple vinegar (R1 and R2) were characterized by a lower pH value (5.10-5.70; p < 0.05), a comparable oxidation-reduction potential (409.75-498.57 mV), and a low TBARS index (0.461-1.294 mg malondialdehyde/kg of product). Their color was lighter (L* 38.25-40.65). All the tested loins were characterized by appropriate microbiological quality guaranteeing the storage durability of the product. R1 and R2 treatments were characterized by the greatest juiciness. The highest overall quality was achieved by R1 loins (7.36-7.76 c.u.). The apple vinegar used to marinate the loins had a positive effect on their microbiological and sensory quality as well as physico-chemical parameters. Moreover, the technology guarantees the appropriate quality and health safety of the products.

Use of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) as a Sustainable Alternative in Pork Production

Pork production involves several sustainability issues. The recent increase in the natural wild boar population and the possibilities of its breeding to produce meat and for sport hunting have revived attention on this wild species. The most important factors that could account for its expansion and niche invasion are briefly summarized with the scientific opinion on management strategies. The information available to date on the quantitative, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of wild boar meat is reviewed to highlight its potential, if properly managed, as a sustainable option in meat production. This review reports on the opportunity of using wild boar meat in processed products and the need for research on processing qualities and acceptability for different final products. Above all, this review suggests that wild boar can be considered a sustainable alternative to meet the animal protein demand, as it can be established in marginal areas where it is already adapted to the environment, representing an interesting addition to traditional zootechnics.

Meat Fatty Acid Composition of Wild Boars Hunted in Romania in Relationship to Gender and Age-Class

Simple Summary

Game meat has a good nutritional profile; wild boar, in particular, has lower fat, high protein, and higher iron content than meat from other domesticated animals. The present study aimed to assess the carcass characteristics and chemical composition and also to investigate the effect of gender and age on the intramuscular fatty acid profile of wild boar meat harvested during the 2010–2017 winter hunting seasons in the Frasin District hunting area (Romania). The age-class factor influenced the carcass traits (p ≤ 0.05), but not the yield, although overall, adults were heavier and had a better yield compared to the younger specimens (77.36 vs. 74.79 kg). The differences induced by gender for carcass traits and dressing yield were present but not statistically significant (p > 0.05). For the chemical composition of wild boar meat, the percentages of protein, fat, ash, and water did not present significant differences (p > 0.05) within the factors applied (gender, age-class). Regarding the studied effects, results showed that the wild boars’ age-class significantly influenced (p ≤ 0.001) the amount of meat total fat, with the adults having the highest fat content than subadults (7.60% vs. 4.52%). As for the fatty acid profile, a high ratio of PUFA/SFA (P/S: polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids) and n-6/n-3 PUFA was present in the meat, showing good functional properties for human health.

Abstract

The present study evaluates the influence of gender and age-class on the carcass traits, meat chemical composition, and fatty acid profiles of randomly hunt-harvested wild boars from Romania’s Frasin District hunting area, which is an important part of the stock density management strategy. Only 76 wild boars were chosen to participate in the experimental design from a total of 94 wild boars hunted over seven winter seasons, based on two main criteria: right carcass part intact and animal health status (suitable for human consumption) as determined by the veterinary health notice issued by the Food Safety Authority, with all wild boars being evaluated before slaughtering. After sanitary inspection and within the first 24 h postmortem, meat samples were taken in duplicate from the right side of wild boar carcasses (m. Biceps femoris). The aim of this study was to compare the carcass characteristics, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile of wild boar Biceps femoris muscle obtained from the right side of carcasses, as well as the effects of gender, age-class, and their interaction on these traits, in a context where venison is frequently regarded as organic food by consumers due to the natural habitat in which wild animals live. The age of the animals had an effect on the postmortem undressed warm and cold carcass weights (p ≤ 0.05). Considering the proximal chemical composition, only the intramuscular fat (IMF) content was higher in adult meat samples compared to young animals. C18:1 n-9 was the most abundant fatty acid in wild boar meat, followed by C16:0, C18:2 n-6, and C18:0. For IMF content, gender, age class, and their interaction influenced mainly MUFA fatty acids, in particular C16:1 n-9, C20:1 n-9 and C22:1 n-9, and also PUFA fatty acids C18:3 n-6, C20:3 n-3, C20:4 n-6, C20:5 n-3, C22:4 n-6, and C22:5 n-6. The appropriate amounts of individual fatty acids in the muscles of the wild boars translate into a ratio of P/S acids that promotes health as a bio-alternative resource of meat.

Meat from wild boar (Sus scrofa L.): a review

Wild boar is a species that is utilised for food and sport hunting throughout the world. Recent increases in natural populations and the potential of farming wild boars have stimulated interest in this species as a meat producer. Compared to domestic pigs, wild boars present a higher degree of carcass fatness and larger loin areas, more slow-twitch oxidative (I) and fast-twitch oxidative glycolytic (IIA) and less fast-twitch glycolytic (IIB) muscle fibres, and darker, less tender and leaner meat. Differences in diets might contribute to differences in cooked meat flavour and fatty acid composition between wild boars and domestic pigs. Higher α-tocopherol concentrations in wild boar might extend its meat shelf-life. Mechanical massaging of muscles, vacuum package ageing and addition of marinates have been attempted to tenderise wild boar meat. Further research on hunting protocols for wild boar, and value-added products from its meat, are needed.

The effects of gender, age and region on macro- and micronutrient contents and fatty acid profiles in the muscles of roe deer and wild boar in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Germany)

Samples of M. longissimus were collected from a total of 203 feral roe deer (n=118) and wild boar (n=85) in two regions of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Germany). The muscle lipid saturated fatty acid proportions of roe deer and wild boar ranged between 33 and 49g/100g total fatty acids and 31 and 35g/100g total fatty acids, respectively. The total n-3 PUFA proportions in roe deer muscle varied between 8.0 and 14g/100g fatty acids, and in wild boar muscle between 2.6 and 6.0g/100g fatty acids. The major vitamin E homologue, α-tocopherol, was determined to be between 5.8 and 13.1mg/kg in roe deer muscles. Lower levels between 1.2 and 4.7mg/kg were measured in wild boar muscles. The iron and zinc concentrations in roe deer and wild boar muscle ranged from 26.3 to 33.9mg/kg and from 17.0 to 21.7mg/kg, and from 13.6 to 39.3mg/kg and 18.1 to 31.9mg/kg, respectively.