Effect of graded levels of Sorghum bicolor on proximate composition, lipid oxidation, microbial load and sensory properties of rabbit meat floss

Abstract

Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier and more sustainable meat products. Rabbit meat is generally considered a healthier alternative to red meat because of its low fat and cholesterol content. However, people accustomed to consuming red meat may find it less visually appealing because of its pale appearance. Plants rich in beneficial phytochemicals like Sorghum bicolor (Sorghum) have been used to impart desirable colouration and sensory properties to processed foods. In this study, Rabbit Meat Floss (RMF) was prepared with graded levels of powdered sorghum stalks thus: Treatment 1/Control (RMF +0% Sorghum), Treatment 2 (RMF+ 1% Sorghum), Treatment 3 (RMF+2% Sorghum) and Treatment 4 (RMF+3% Sorghum). The RMF were analysed for Yield (%), Microbial load (logCFU/g), Lipid oxidation (mgMDA/kg), Proximate composition (%), and Sensory properties at intervals of 0, 10, and 20 days. The RMF analysed on days 10 and 20 were packed in Ziploc bags and kept at room temperature. The experimental design was completely randomised, and all analyses were done in triplicates. All treatments with Sorghum inclusion had higher yields than the Control, with Treatment 3 (RMF+2% Sorghum) having the highest yield (107.98). All RMF with sorghum had higher crude protein than the control. Treatment 2 (RMF+1% sorghum) had the highest crude protein at days 0 (50.67) and 20 (47.85). Ash content was also higher in RMF with sorghum, and Treatment 4(RMF+3% Sorghum) had the highest values at days 0 (9.00) and 20 (8.49). At day 0, Treatment 3 (RMF+2% Sorghum) was rated highest in tenderness (7.00) while Treatment 2 (RMF+1% Sorghum) was rated highest in juiciness, and Treatment 4 (RMF+3%Sorghum) rated highest in colour (8.10). On day 20, all RMFs with sorghum had higher colour scores, with Treatment 4 (RMF+3%Sorghum) having the highest score (8.10). There were no significant differences in microbial load during the study. The inclusion of Sorghum bicolor in rabbit meat floss significantly improved its crude protein and ash content. It also improved visual appeal, while overall acceptability was not severely comprised up to twenty days of storage.