title: Carcass composition and meat quality of brush-tail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula).
abstract: One-hundred-and-thirty-nine possums, balanced as far as possible for sex (68 male, 71 female) and age (1 year, 42; 2-4 years, 61; 5+ years, 36), were slaughtered and the dissected carcass composition, muscle, and cooked meat composition measured. Possums were slaughtered at time in captivity TIC 0 (n = 58), TIC 14 days (n = 20) and TIC 28 days (n = 61). Compared with the 5+ years (mature) age group the 1 year olds (juveniles) were 67% and the 2-4 year olds (immature) 96% of the live weight of the mature possums. Carcass composition was characterised by high lean (78-80%) and low fat (around 1-2%). The cooked meat from possums is very high in protein (∼ 25%) and low in fat, suggesting it should be a valuable source of animal protein with a low total fat, high unsaturated fat content. In all cases cooked meat was rated as tender, based on shear force values, despite having a pH of around 6·3.
authors: MAFTech, Ruakura Agricultural Centre, Private Bag, Hamilton, New Zealand.
authors: B W
authors: BW
authors: Hogg
authors: L M
authors: LM
authors: Catcheside
authors: G J
authors: GJ
authors: Mercer
authors: A J
authors: AJ
authors: Pearson
authors: M G
authors: MG
authors: Ashby
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Duganzich