QUALITY EVALUATION OF RAT SPECIES SOLD IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS

Ikya, J.K., Jimin, C.M., Amove, J.

Department of Food Science and Technology,

University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

Email: aveyina2012@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

In this study rat species sold in Makurdi metropolis including Yongov (A), Kpev (B) and Ihev (C) were purchased randomly and subjected to proximate composition, microbiological, mineral and sensory quality analyses to determine their nutrients,  microbiological contamination and acceptability  for consumption. Results proximate composition analysis showed that all the species contained high protein 23.81 (A), 26.71 (B) and 21.85 (C) %, ash were 9.38, 9.40 and 9.43 % respectively. Fat ranged from 22.10 – 35.54%. Results microbiological quality were on yeast count which ranged from 1.5 × 10⁵ – 2.6 × 10⁷, while bacteria were 4.1 × 10⁶ – 4.5 × 10⁶. Acceptability based on 9-point hedonic scale were A(6.67), B(7.20) and C(7.20) without significant difference (P>0.05). Other sensory quality parameters were appearance 6.67 – 7.53. Results of mineral analysis showed that rat species contained calcium, magnesium and zinc. Their proportions were Calcium (ppm) for Yongov (1.14), Kpev (0.96) and Ihev (0.90), Magnesium contents were 0.38, 0.29 and 0.41 respectively. Zinc contents were Yongov (3.96), Kpev (3.64) and Ihev (4.10). Conclusion: The rat samples studied contained enough nutrients and acceptable for consumption. However, all the rat species were recommended for proper preservation before consumption.

Keywords: Quality Analyses, Rat Species and Makurdi Metropolis