Sifat biologis dan karakteristik karkas dan daging Bandicoot (Echymipera kalubu)

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the biological, carcass and meat characteristics of the spiny bandicoots (Echymipera kalubu). The research conducted using explorative method. Sixty eight mature bandicoots consisted of 36 males and 30 females were used to explore external characteristics, morphometry, behaviour, food preference and food intake, carcass and meat characteristics. Organoleptic test was used to have information on taste, smells and meat colour. The results, showed that the frequency and duration of Spiny Bandicoot behaviour at the night were eating (304.31 sec and 7.4 times), drinking (113.79 sec and 5.3 times) and grooming (151.46 sec and 4.85 times). The total time of the bandicoots activity at the night was 1.32 % for eating, drinking and grooming, 55.75 % for foraging and 42.93 % for shelter seeking. White breast bandicoots had obviously heavier hind legs but lighter fore legs meat compared with Red breast bandicoots. Meat and carcass characteristics of male and female bandicoots were dressing percentage (70.48 and 65.13), pH (5.78 and 5.66), tenderness (1.03 and 1.07 kg/cm2), cooking loss (33.62 and 34.47 %) and water holding capacity (37.14 and 35.98 % mgH2O). Meat composition contain complete amino acids and fatty acids, but a bit higher polysaturated fatty acids than other domestic livestocks especially palmitic acids (36.76 %). Flavor (taste, smells) and colour of the meat bandicoots can be accepted by people in Manokwari regency as well as like on pork, chiken and beef.