45H-8 |
Proximate analysis of meat from intact and castrate alpacas (Lama pacos) of varying age and feed regimen |
F. M. Steele1, A. COX1, B. J. Hope1, T. F. Robinson2, and E. W. Hawkins1. (1) Nutrition, Dietetics, & Food Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, (2) Department of Integrative Biology, Brigham Young University, 485 Widtsoe Building, Provo, UT 84602-5181 In the Andean countries of South America, alpacas (Lama pacos) have been raised as a source of income for the native people for fiber production. Recently there has been an interesting alternative to the production of the alpacas. This alternative is meat production. Claims exist which state that alpaca meat is nutritious and high in quality. In addition to providing the producer with an increased income, it also provides the consumer with a nutritious protein alternative for areas known for Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) within Peru, Bolivia and to a lesser extent Chile and Argentina. The production of alpacas for meat will not only give the people of these countries another market for their product but also has potential for monetary benefits and provide protein to supplement their diets. The objective of this presented work is to evaluate the nutrient content of alpaca (Lama pacos) meat and determine differences in protein, fat, moisture, and ash content. Through the official methods of the AOAC protein content, fat content, moisture and ash analysis were conducted on ten male alpacas, both castrated and non-castrated between 3 and 5 years of age. The results indicate that alpaca meat in general has a high percentage of protein in comparison to fat content. The animals were also evaluated to indicate that the castrated animals showed a higher fat content than their counterparts. The ages of the animals indicated that the younger animals had a lower fat content in their muscle tissue than the older animals. The results suggest that alpaca meat is a good source of protein and is low in fat. Younger castrated animals have higher protein percentages and lower fat concentrations. The concentrations of protein and fat in alpacas can potentially increase Protein Energy and decrease Malnutrition within Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Session 45H, International: General
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