Abstract

This study assessed the nutritional qualities of selected bushmeats in New Bussa and its environs to advocate for their potential domestication through ranching because of the prospective impact on food security.Meat samples of dried Kobus kob (Kob), Sylvicapra grimmia (Duiker) and Tragelaphus scriptus (Bush buck) were identified and collected from hunters in the study areas. The samples muscles was filleted and analysed according to standard procedures. The results show that the percentage mean protein content of the three bushmeat species ranged from a significantly (p<0.05) high 70.60±0.88 in Kob to 64.92±0.17 in Bushbuck. Highest level of crude fat (8.64±0.61%) was recorded in Kob compared to 6.85±0.70 % and 6.29±0.16 % found in Duiker and Bushbuck respectively. All the sampled bushmeats were richer in essential macro minerals such as Ca, Mg, Na, K and P while the micro elements recorded for all bushmeat sampled were precariously high and significantly varied (p<0.05) across species. The bushmeat muscles were rich in proteins and other essential mineral elements such as iron, zinc, calcium of physiological importance; hence they are suitable almost in every diet. Therefore, these animals can be adopted for game ranching in a safe and adaptive environment.

Key Words: Bushmeat, Nutrients, Muscles, Qualities, Food security, Environment