Gamebirds: A sustainable food source in Southern Africa?

Abstract

In order to alleviate the current food security situation the world is faced with, it is essential to investigate meat sources which have the potential to be used in a sustainable manner. This review provides substantial arguments to prove the viability of sport hunted wildfowl as a food source in Southern Africa. However, before the use of wildfowl meat can be realised, there are certain challenges to overcome in order to ensure meat of the best possible quality reaches the consumer. Important aspects to consider regarding the eating quality of wildfowl meat are identified and include the physical activity of the different portions and muscle fibre types, diet, breeding, age and gender as well as the post mortem handling/ageing of the meat. The safety issues involved in producing gamebird meat i.e. shot contamination (microbial or lead), are also discussed. Other areas that warrant scientific research include investigating the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may have an influence on the ultimate meat quality and exploring possible techniques of improving the eating quality of wildfowl meat. The insights these investigations will provide have the potential to increase the commercial viability, directly or indirectly, of African wildfowl meat and thus contribute to food security.

Food security in South Africa—first steps toward a transdisciplinary approach

“…A third study in this collection continues the theme of utilising wild sources of foods, in this case game birds as a viable source of meat (Geldenhuys et al 2013). The authors argue that, in order to alleviate the current food security situation, it is essential to investigate meat sources which have the potential to be utilised sustainably.…”

The influence of post‐mortem conditioning on the tenderness of Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) breast meat (M. pectoralis major)

“…In recent years, the hunting of gamebird species in South Africa has increased considerably and many of these, specifically Egyptian geese ( Alopochen aegyptiacus ), are harvested in an attempt to reduce the damage they cause to crop lands . Annually, crop farmers incur major financial losses due to their extensive feeding activities .…”

“…The Egyptian goose is one of southern Africa's most prevalent gamebird species. In South Africa this waterfowl species is found in areas with inland water, along the shoreline and in regions with available crops, which they utilize for foraging . The Egyptian goose is also one of the leading gamebirds hunted in South Africa .…”

“…In South Africa this waterfowl species is found in areas with inland water, along the shoreline and in regions with available crops, which they utilize for foraging . The Egyptian goose is also one of the leading gamebirds hunted in South Africa . Although they are hunted in large numbers throughout the year, their meat has not yet been commercially utilized …”

“…The Egyptian goose is also one of the leading gamebirds hunted in South Africa . Although they are hunted in large numbers throughout the year, their meat has not yet been commercially utilized …”