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This investigation determined the carcass yields of Namibian springbok and compared the physicochemical meat quality characteristics of 6 different muscles (biceps femoris, infraspinatus, Longissimus thoracis et lumborum, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, and supraspinatus) from different sex and age groups. Although the adult male slaughter weights (40.44 ± 1.88 kg) did not differ from that of the adult female slaughter weights (36.61 ± 0.50), the adult males were heavier than both sexes from the sub-adults. No differences were observed for dressing percentages between sex nor age groups. The infraspinatus muscle showed the lowest shear force values in adult male springbok and in both sub-adult male and female springbok and can be described as the more tender muscle. The infraspinatus and Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles of the adult male springbok group showed the lowest cooking losses. The supraspinatus and semitendinosus muscles from the sub-adult groups tended to have the highest L* and thus the lightest meat. No major differences were observed for protein content between the different sex and age groups although the muscles of the different sex and age groups had a noticeably higher fat content (above 3%). Discriminant analysis revealed no differentiation among the different muscle groups for the variables measured. Neither springbok sex nor age influenced any of the meat quality parameters although older animals tended to have heavier carcasses, therefore the decision of which sex and/or age group to cull will depend on the springbok management strategy.

Elke patient op een verpleegafdeling van de Dijklander Ziekenhuizen in Noord-Holland krijgt tijdens de opname de vraag of hij gereanimeerd wil worden. Het is vooral de arts die hierover informatie geeft en het antwoord wordt mede bepaald door de ernst van de situatie en de kwaliteit van de communicatie. Voor patienten met een ernstige aandoening of comorbiditeit zijn de resultaten van een reanimatie zeer matig. Het aantal gereanimeerde patienten dat levend het ziekenhuis verlaat, daalt met de leeftijd van 19% (70-80 jaar), naar 12% (90 jaar en ouder).

BACKGROUND: Egyptian goose breast meat has been found to be very tough compared to the meat of other well-known fowl species. In attempting to clarify the toughness of the meat, the physical and biochemical changes during post-mortem conditioning (14 days) was investigated. RESULTS: Although there was increased cathepsin (B, B & L and H) activity, together with a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in myofibrillar fragmentation lengths (32-25 μm) with conditioning, no change (decline) in shear force values was observed. The higher (P ≤ 0.05) shear force of the male breast portions may be linked to the higher (P ≤ 0.05) concentrations of total and insoluble collagen. CONCLUSIONS: No significant change (decline) in shear force values was observed. Conditioning of Egyptian goose meat as a means of improving the overall toughness cannot therefore not be proposed. The higher shear force and lower sensory tenderness of the male breast portions, as previously observed, may be linked to higher concentrations of total and insoluble collagen.

With the current absence of scientific information on the nutritive aspects it is essential to investigate the fatty acid, mineral, and amino acid composition of Egyptian geese as well as the factors of influence. The forage vs. grain based diets of Egyptian geese during certain periods of the yr leads to variation in the content of the key fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid. The differences in these fatty acids results in variation between the n-6/n-3 ratios of the seasons; the portions from winter (July) are within the recommendations (ratio

BACKGROUND: Baseline research on the toughness of Egyptian goose meat is required. This study therefore investigates the post mortem pH and temperature decline (15 min-4 h 15 min post mortem) in the pectoralis muscle (breast portion) of this gamebird species. It also explores the enzyme activity of the Ca-dependent protease (calpain system) and the lysosomal cathepsins during the rigor mortis period. RESULTS: No differences were found for any of the variables between genders. The pH decline in the pectoralis muscle occurs quite rapidly (c = -0.806; ultimate pH ∼5.86) compared with other species and it is speculated that the high rigor temperature (>20 °C) may contribute to the increased toughness. No calpain I was found in Egyptian goose meat and the μ/m-calpain activity remained constant during the rigor period, while a decrease in calpastatin activity was observed. The cathepsin B, B & L and H activity increased over the rigor period. CONCLUSION: Further research into the connective tissue content and myofibrillar breakdown during aging is required in order to know if the proteolytic enzymes do in actual fact contribute to tenderisation.

The effect of rooibos tea extract (RBTE 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.00%) as a natural antioxidant on the lipid and protein stability of ostrich droëwors (traditional South African dried sausage) after a 15 day drying period was investigated. The lipid stability of the droëwors increased with 0.25% RBTE having lower TBARS. The protein stability of the droëwors did not differ (P≥0.05) between treatments. The heme-iron content did not differ (P≥0.05) between the treatments and increased from day 0 to day 15. Drying resulted in a decrease in the total moisture content by 45% and a corresponding increase in all other components. There were no differences between the moisture, fat and ash contents between treatments within a specific day. The droëwors had high concentrations of oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid. The addition of RBTE also improved the sensory attributes and can thus be added and marketed as a natural flavourant from 'out of Africa' for a traditional South African meat product.

The increasing demand for triticale as food, feed, and fuel has resulted in the availability of cultivars with different grain quality characteristics. Analyses of triticale composition can ensure that the most appropriate cultivars are obtained and used for the most suitable applications. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is often used for rapid measurements during quality control and has consequently been investigated as a method for the measurement of protein, moisture, and ash contents, as well as kernel hardness (particle size index [PSI]) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) sedimentation from both whole grain and ground triticale samples. NIR spectroscopy prediction models calculated using ground samples were generally superior to whole grain models. Protein content was the most effectively modeled quality property; the best ground grain calibration had a ratio of the standard error of test set validation to the standard deviation of the reference data of the test set (RPDtest) of 4.81, standar...

The effect of steam pasteurization of fermented rooibos leaves and stems on the sensory characteristics and phenolic composition of infusions was determined. The extent to which this processing step changes the sensory profile and whether compositional changes influence taste and astringency of the beverage was determined. These were achieved by examining the changes in the concentrations of soluble solids (SS), total polyphenols (TP) and 14 individual non-volatile monomeric phenolic compounds, as well as the changes in 17 aroma, flavor, taste and mouthfeel attributes of rooibos infusions. Steam pasteurization significantly reduced the SS, TP and aspalathin contents, as well as the “total color” (area under the curve: 380 to 520 nm). Neither the intensities of the taste attributes, sweetness and bitterness, nor the levels of individual phenolic compounds changed significantly, except that of aspalathin which were significantly reduced. A small but significant decrease in the astringency of rooibos infusions was observed. The intensities of most of the aroma and flavor attributes decreased significantly as a result of steam pasteurization. “Green” and “caramel” notes exhibited the largest reductions in attribute intensity. The prominent “green” flavor of unpasteurized rooibos was frequently changed to a “hay-like” flavor after steam pasteurization.

Background Malolactic fermentation (MLF) mediated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been shown to modulate chemical and sensory attributes of wine. This study investigated the relation between consumer liking, chemical and sensory attributes of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinotage wines that were made over two vintages by four different lactic acid Oenococcus oeni starter cultures as well as a control treatment where MLF was prevented. Results Descriptive analysis showed that the sensory attributes buttery, caramel, vegetative flavour, fruity and nutty aroma differed significantly between the wines. These effects on the wines were not the same for the two vintages tested. Preference mapping results showed that the sensory attributes influenced the average consumer liking. The main chemical and sensory correlations found for MLF-treated wines were related to 2,3-butanedione (diacetyl) with the buttery character and various esters with fruity aromas. Conclusion Although the direct effect of the bacterial starter cultures on wine sensory attributes is difficult to establish, and subject to variation over vintage, the present work suggests that the contribution of LAB starter cultures to wine sensory attributes can influence consumer liking. Selection of an MLF starter culture can thus potentially be used to develop specific wine styles. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

Z -2-(β- d -glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic acid (PPAG), a compound postulated to contribute to the taste and mouthfeel of fermented rooibos tea ( Aspalathus linearis ), was isolated from unfermented rooibos plant material. Its structure was unequivocally confirmed by LC–MS, –MS 2 , FT-IR and NMR of the underivatised natural product, and optical rotation measurements of the hydrolysed sugar moiety. A similar compound, postulated to be E -2-(β- d -glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic acid, was also detected. Analysis of the leaves of a large number of rooibos plants ( n = 54), sampled at commercial plantations, showed that PPAG is not ubiquitously present in detectable quantities in the leaves of different plants. This leads to large variation in the fermented plant material, infusions and food-grade extracts. PPAG was shown to have a slightly bitter to astringent taste and a detection threshold of 0.4 mg/l in water.

The feeding activities of Egyptian geese are becoming a problem for crop farmers in South Africa. Their grain-based diet during the harvesting season compared to the diet during the rest of the year may have an influence on the meat quality, especially the sensory profile. Descriptive sensory analysis, physical measurements, and the proximate composition were used to investigate these effects. Season was a major influential factor with the meat from summer associating with sweet-oily-duck and beef attributes in contrast to the strong association towards the game, metallic, and fish attributes of the winter meat. This is due to the difference in the main fatty acids; winter was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFA: ) (C18:3 n-3) and summer higher (P ≤ 0.05) in monounsaturated fatty acid (C18:1 n-9). This study established that season has a significant effect on the sensory profile of Egyptian goose meat and should be considered regarding the utilization and consumption.

Background As eating quality is important for adoption of new varieties, nine orange-fleshed and three cream-fleshed sweet potato varieties were assessed for sensory characteristics, dry mass and free sugar content, instrumental texture and colour and consumer acceptability (n = 216) in a peri-urban South African setting. Results Cream-fleshed varieties were higher in yellow-green colour and sweet potato-like flavour and lower in graininess. Orange-fleshed varieties were higher in pumpkin-like flavour, orange colour, discolouration and sucrose content. Partial least squares regression analysis showed that the most accepted varieties (Impilo, Excel, Resisto, 2001_5_2, Serolane, W-119 and Monate) were associated with sweet flavour, dry mass and maltose content, while the least accepted varieties (Beauregard, Khano and 1999_1_7) were associated with wateriness. Pearson correlation analysis highlighted correlations of sensory attributes yellow and orange with instrumental colour measurements (colour a* and colour b*), instrumental firmness with sensory firmness, dry mass with sensory wateriness, and maltose content with sensory sweet and sweet potato-like flavour. The varieties were clustered into three groups. Consumer acceptability for eating quality correlated with maltose content, dry mass and sweet flavour. Conclusion Chemical and instrumental measurements were identified to evaluate key attributes and will be useful in the intermediate phases of sweet potato varietal development.

Triticale (× Triticosecale sp. Wittmack ex A. Camus 1927) is an anthropogenic cereal designed to incorporate the functionality and high yield of wheat (Triticum spp. Linnaeus 1753) and durability of rye (Secale cereale Linnaeus 1753). The potential of triticale has remained largely unrealised, and in the 135 years since A. Stephen Wilson first crossed wheat and rye, triticale has mostly been used as animal feed. Growing demand for food resources has led to an increased interest in triticale development. Efforts to breed cultivars appropriate for baking have met with difficulty, although relatively new approaches to triticale end-use propose greater applicability for human consumption. Further, environmental awareness has generated interest in the use of triticale within biofuel production. We review environmental and genetic effects on triticale yield with a view towards increased demand on a hardy and useful cereal crop. We find triticale could satisfy many of the hopes originally placed upon it, and may be useful in foodstuffs and fuel, but only when growth environment is carefully considered.

We determined the effect of region and gender on the physical (pH45min, temperature45min, pH24h, temperature24h, L*-value, a*-value, b*-value, hue-angle, chroma, drip loss, cooking loss and Warner-Bratzler shear force value) and sensory properties (aroma, flavour, initial juiciness, sustained juiciness, first bite and residue) of M. longissimus dorsi from blesbok (Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi). Meat from a total of 65 blesbok (males and females) from four regions (Maria Moroka, Gariep, Qua-Qua and Rustfontein in the Free State Province, South Africa) were evaluated. No gender effects were found in any of the physical characteristics. However, region influenced (P < 0.05) pH45min (mean: 6.17), pH24h (mean: 5.49), temperature24h (mean: 7.39°C), a*-values (mean: 12.90), chroma (mean: 15.73) and cooking loss (mean: 34.63%). Both region and gender had a significant effect on first bite and residue, whereas sustained juiciness was only influenced (P < 0.05) by region. Blesbok presented a meat that would be accep...

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different seasons and gender on the physical and chemical composition of black wildebeest (Connochaetus gnou) meat. Twenty-six black wildebeest were harvested at Maria Moroka Nature Reserve, in the Free State Province, South Africa, during winter, spring and autumn. Mean body and carcass weight did not differ (P > 0.05) between either seasons or genders. However, dressing percentage was higher (P 0.05) between seasons, whereas differences (P < 0.05) in temperature of carcasses measured 24 h post-mortem could be ascribed to differences in ambient temperature. Meat from animals harvested during spring (5.52 and 39.63%) had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) drip and cooking loss compared to those harvested in winter (2.27 and 34.59%) and autumn (3.61 and 33.88%). Meat was the most (P < 0.05) tender during autumn (2.27 kg/1.27 cm dia...

The aim of this study was to describe the chemical composition of blesbok meat as influenced by region and sex. M. longissimus dorsi from both sexes of adult blesbok from different regions (Maria Moroka, Gariep, Qua-Qua and Rustfontein in the Free State Province, South Africa) were measured for chemical composition, cholesterol, fatty acid, amino acid and mineral contents. Sex had no influence on any of the chemical components evaluated. Region had an effect (P

The influence of gender on the physical and chemical properties of the M. longissimus dorsi et lumborum of mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) was examined. The mean live weights of ten male (28.58 kg) and nineteen female (30.58 kg) mountain reedbuck did not differ (P > 0.05),and the mean cold carcass weight was 16.36 kg for both genders. Gender had no influence (P > 0.05) on any of the physical characteristics (pH, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, colour) investigated. For the proximate chemical analysis of the M. longissimus dorsi et lumborum muscle, the effect of gender was only significant for the protein content, where the females (24.51%) displayed a higher percentage of protein compared to the males (23.68%). Neither the amino acid nor the mineral content differed significantly between the two genders. Glutamic acid (11.35 g/100 g) was the most abundant amino acid, followed by aspartic acid (2.94 g/100 g), glycine (0.86 g/100 g) and serine (0.66 g/100 g). The mineral content of mountain re...

Egyptian goose breast meat has been found to be very tough compared to the meat of other well-known fowl species. In attempting to clarify the toughness of the meat, the physical and biochemical changes during post-mortem conditioning (14 days) was investigated.Although there was increased cathepsin (B, BL and H) activity, together with a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in myofibrillar fragmentation lengths (32-25 µm) with conditioning, no change (decline) in shear force values was observed. The higher (P ≤ 0.05) shear force of the male breast portions may be linked to the higher (P ≤ 0.05) concentrations of total and insoluble collagen.No significant change (decline) in shear force values was observed. Conditioning of Egyptian goose meat as a means of improving the overall toughness cannot therefore not be proposed. The higher shear force and lower sensory tenderness of the male breast portions, as previously observed, may be linked to higher concentrations of total and insoluble collagen.

This study determined whether commercially acceptable polony could be manufactured with varying quantities of chicken mechanically recovered meat (MRM), soy flour (S) and pork rind (R). The experimental design used was a two-factor, three-level factorial design, with various soy levels (0%, 4%, 8%) and pork rind (0%, 8%, 16%) resulting in nine treatments (R0S0, R0S4, R0S8, R8S0, R8S4, R8S8, R16S0, R16S4 and R16S8). Five treatment samples, R0S0, R0S4, R0S8, R8S0 and R8S4, which were indicated by the trained panel to have high market potential, were used to determine the degree of liking by consumers. Consumers liked the flavour and texture of treatments R0S0 and R0S4 which were strongly associated with pink colour, firmness and salty taste. Treatments R0S8, R8S0 and R8S4 were preferred less, mainly because they were associated with a perceptible soy flavour, pasty texture and white fat spots. The use of soy flour and pork rind is acceptable at

Baseline research on the toughness of Egyptian goose meat is required. This study therefore investigates the post mortem pH and temperature decline (15 min-4 h 15 min post mortem) in the pectoralis muscle (breast portion) of this gamebird species. It also explores the enzyme activity of the Ca(2+)-dependent protease (calpain system) and the lysosomal cathepsins during the rigor mortis period.No differences were found for any of the variables between genders. The pH decline in the pectoralis muscle occurs quite rapidly (c = -0.806; ultimate pH ∼ 5.86) compared with other species and it is speculated that the high rigor temperature (20 °C) may contribute to the increased toughness. No calpain I was found in Egyptian goose meat and the µ/m-calpain activity remained constant during the rigor period, while a decrease in calpastatin activity was observed. The cathepsin B, BL and H activity increased over the rigor period.Further research into the connective tissue content and myofibrillar breakdown during aging is required in order to know if the proteolytic enzymes do in actual fact contribute to tenderisation.

The carcass yield, physical characteristics, and proximate composition of Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus), a southern African gamebird species, have been studied. A total of 69 geese were harvested during 2 seasons: summer (n = 36) and winter (n = 33). This total group of geese consisted of 27 female birds and 42 male birds. Sex alone affected (P ≤ 0.05) the live and carcass weights, and the average muscle weight (g) of each portion was higher for the male fowl. The data does not indicate differences between the meat's physical characteristics on account of sex; however, the meat from the female birds did have a higher intramuscular fat content. Season (winter vs. summer) did not influence the average muscle weights (g) of the breast, thigh, and drumstick portions, but the intramuscular fat content content of the birds hunted in winter was higher. Muscle color and pH differed as a result of season with the summer meat having a higher pH and more vivid red color compared with winter. The physical characteristics and the proximate composition of the breast, thigh, and drumstick portions varied considerably. This is essentially connected to a difference in physical activity of the muscles in the portions. Overall, this study revealed that to ensure a consistent eating quality the harvesting periods of Egyptian geese should be considered.

There is no scientific research regarding Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) meat; therefore, a chemical analysis to establish the nutritional characteristics of the breast portion is described. Meat from guinea fowl, Pekin duck, ostrich, and broiler chicken were used as a reference. The high intramuscular fat content of Egyptian goose meat (5.6 g/100 g) may be linked to the fact that this species relies on fat for heat insulation and buoyancy. Egyptian goose meat is very high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (39.7%). The polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio is within the recommendations (>0.4), although the n-6/n-3 ratio is higher than the suggested value of 5. The high Fe content of 7.5 mg/100 g is the differentiating factor within the mineral compositions and is related to the physical activity endured by the breast muscle of Egyptian geese. This study provides new insight into the nutritional characteristics of a meat species providing crucial information that is, as of yet, not available in the literature.

The consumer demands a beef product of consistent and acceptable tenderness. The infusion of beef muscles with a blend containing sodium and potassium salts, various phosphates and lactates has the potential to improve the current status of low meat consumption and inconsistent tenderness of fresh beef products in South Africa. In the present investigation, the biceps femoris (BF, silverside), rectus femoris muscle (RF), semitendinosus muscle (ST, eye of the silverside), supraspinatus muscle (SS, scotch fillet) and longissimus et lumborum muscles from the left side of beef carcasses were infused, 3 d post mortem, with a blend consisting of various sodium and potassium salts, di- and triphosphates and lactates, while the corresponding muscles from the right side were untreated and served as the control. The changes in beef quality over a 19-d period and the initial proximate and mineral composition of the muscles were also determined. The general findings suggest that an increase in tenderness concurrent with an acceptable beef colour resulted from the infusion with this blend. The chemical composition of the treated muscles was not negatively affected by the infusion and the mineral content of the treated muscles was increased, accordingly.Keywords: Alkaline infusion, pH, water-binding capacity, instrumental tenderness, beef colour, proximate composition, mineral composition

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) mediated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been shown to modulate chemical and sensory attributes of wine. This study investigated the relation between consumer liking, chemical and sensory attributes of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinotage wines that were made over two vintages by four different lactic acid Oenococcus oeni starter cultures as well as a control treatment where MLF was prevented.Descriptive analysis showed that the sensory attributes buttery, caramel, vegetative flavour, fruity and nutty aroma differed significantly between the wines. These effects on the wines were not the same for the two vintages tested. Preference mapping results showed that the sensory attributes influenced the average consumer liking. The main chemical and sensory correlations found for MLF-treated wines were related to 2,3-butanedione (diacetyl) with the buttery character and various esters with fruity aromas.Although the direct effect of the bacterial starter cultures on wine sensory attributes is difficult to establish, and subject to variation over vintage, the present work suggests that the contribution of LAB starter cultures to wine sensory attributes can influence consumer liking. Selection of an MLF starter culture can thus potentially be used to develop specific wine styles.

As eating quality is important for adoption of new varieties, nine orange-fleshed and three cream-fleshed sweet potato varieties were assessed for sensory characteristics, dry mass and free sugar content, instrumental texture and colour and consumer acceptability (n = 216) in a peri-urban South African setting.Cream-fleshed varieties were higher in yellow-green colour and sweet potato-like flavour and lower in graininess. Orange-fleshed varieties were higher in pumpkin-like flavour, orange colour, discolouration and sucrose content. Partial least squares regression analysis showed that the most accepted varieties (Impilo, Excel, Resisto, 2001_5_2, Serolane, W-119 and Monate) were associated with sweet flavour, dry mass and maltose content, while the least accepted varieties (Beauregard, Khano and 1999_1_7) were associated with wateriness. Pearson correlation analysis highlighted correlations of sensory attributes yellow and orange with instrumental colour measurements (colour a* and colour b*), instrumental firmness with sensory firmness, dry mass with sensory wateriness, and maltose content with sensory sweet and sweet potato-like flavour. The varieties were clustered into three groups. Consumer acceptability for eating quality correlated with maltose content, dry mass and sweet flavour.Chemical and instrumental measurements were identified to evaluate key attributes and will be useful in the intermediate phases of sweet potato varietal development.

BACKGROUND: Plum skins are a waste product generated during production of plum juice or pulp. Polyphenols, shown to have various health-promoting properties, can be recovered from this waste product. Red-fleshed plum nectar formulations containing plum skin extract in varying amounts were characterised in terms of intensity of sensory attributes, consumer acceptability, colour, polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Commercial beverages containing red fruits were used as benchmarks. RESULTS: The polyphenolic profile of the plum skin extract was similar to that of the pulp, including anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols and a phenolic acid. Addition of the extract to plum nectar, which enhanced the colour, polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, was limited by its negative sensory impact. The formulations were deemed acceptable by consumers, although a decrease in positive sensory attributes (plum flavour, plum aroma and sweetness) and an increase in negative sensory attributes (plant-like flavour, plant-like aroma, acidity and astringency) were observed with increasing skin extract content. The formulations compared favourably with commercial beverages in terms of colour total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: Plum skins were successfully used to enhance the functional status of plum nectar. Use of a functional ingredient from plum skins is, therefore, a feasible value-addition strategy. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of region (Qua-Qua, Maria Moroka, Sandveld and Tussen die Riviere) and gender on carcass characteristics and chemical composition of meat from the red hartebeest. The parameters measured on 29 red hartebeest included body weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, proximate composition, fatty acid, cholesterol, amino acid and mineral content. The average carcass weight of males (79.3 kg) was significantly higher than that of females (56.0 kg); however, there was no difference in dressing percentages. The animals obtained from the Qua-Qua region had the highest lipid content (1.3 g/100 g meat sample) compared to hartebeest sampled in other regions. Differences in concentrations of individual fatty acids, amino acids and minerals were minor and of no practical value. The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (0.78) is above the recommended 0.7 and therefore has positive implications for human health. These nutrient values determined in meat from red hartebeest could be incorporated into human food composition tables. These results will also be of value to the South African game meat exporters who may wish to market their products in terms of their nutritional value in order to compete with meat from domestic livestock or international venison products. In such cases, it is required by law (both locally and internationally) to provide adequate nutritional labelling.

An electronic tongue (ET) based on potentiometric chemical sensors was assessed as a rapid tool for the quantification of bitterness in red wines. A set of 39 single cultivar Pinotage wines comprising 13 samples with medium to high bitterness was obtained from the producers in West Cape, South Africa. Samples were analysed with respect to a set of routine wine parameters and major phenolic compounds using Fourier transform infrared-multiple internal reflection spectroscopy (WineScan) and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. A trained sensory panel assessed the bitterness intensity of 15 wines, 13 of which had a bitter taste of medium to high intensity. Thirty-one wine samples including seven bitter-tasting ones were measured by the ET. Influence of the chemical composition of wine on the occurrence of the bitter taste was evaluated using one-way analysis of variance. It was found that bitter-tasting wines had higher concentrations of phenolic compounds (catechin, epicatechin, gallic and caffeic acids and quercetin) than non-bitter wines. Sensitivity of the sensors of the array to the phenolic compounds related to the bitterness was studied at different pH levels. Sensors displayed sensitivity to all studied compounds at pH 7, but only to quercetin at pH 3.5. Based on these findings, the pH of wine was adjusted to 7 prior to measurements. Calibration models for classification of wine samples according to the presence of the bitter taste and quantification of the bitterness intensity were calculated by partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) regression. Statistical significance of the classification results was confirmed by the permutation test. Both ET and chemical analysis data could discriminate between bitter and control wines with the correct classification rates of 94% and 91%, respectively. Prediction of the bitterness intensity with good accuracy (root mean square error of 2 and mean relative error of 6% in validation) was possible only using ET data. published

Boza is a low-pH and low-alcohol cereal-based beverage produced in the Balkan Peninsula. Barley was cooked and prepared according to a traditional recipe and inoculated with Enterococcus mundtii ST4V (a potential probiotic and bacteriocin-producing strain), commercially produced boza, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and a combination of strain E. mundtii ST4V and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fermentation was carried out at 37 °C for 3 h. The organoleptic properties of fermented products were evaluated by a qualified taste panel. No significant differences in rheological properties were observed, suggesting that E. mundtii ST4V had no effect on the quality of the final product. Microbial cell numbers remained relatively unchanged during one week of storage. The preservative properties of bacteriocin ST4V were evaluated by contaminating boza with Lactobacillus sakei DSM 20017. Changes in microbial populations were monitored by using classical microbiological methods, PCR with species-specific primers and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Adsorption of bacteriocin ST4V to target cells is pH-dependent, with the highest adsorption (88 %) recorded at pH=8.0 and pH=10.0. Maximum adsorption of bacteriocin ST4V (75 %) to Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria innocua was recorded at 25 to 37 °C. Growth of E. mundtii ST4V was inhibited only by a few antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicaments, suggesting that the strain may be used as a probiotic by individuals receiving medical treatment., Boza je napitak od žitarica, male pH-vrijednosti i neznatnog udjela alkohola, koji se priprema na Balkanu. U istraživanju je upotrijebljena boza pripremljena kuhanjem ječma prema tradicionalnom receptu, inokulirana bakterijskim sojem Enterococcus mundtii ST4V (koji proizvodi bakteriocin i ima probiotička svojstva), bozom proizvedenom na komercijalan način, kvascem Saccharomyces cerevisiae i kombinacijom bakterijskog soja i kvasca. Tim stručnjaka ispitao je organoleptička svojstva proizvoda dobivenih nakon 3 sata fermentacije pri 37 ºC. Nije utvrđena značajna razlika u reološkim svojstvima dobivenih proizvoda, što upućuje na zaključak da inokulacija sojem E. mundtii ST4V nije utjecala na kakvoću proizvoda. Čak ni nakon tjedan dana skladištenja nije se promijenio broj stanica mikroorganizama u proizvodima. Da bi se procijenio zaštitni učinak bakteriocina ST4V, ispitana je boza inokulirana sojem Lactobacillus sakei DSM 20017, pa je mikrobna populacija praćena klasičnim mikrobiološkim metodama, reakcijom polimeraze (PCR) sa specifičnim početnicama i elektroforezom u gradijentu denaturirajućega gela (DGGE). Adsorpcija bakteriocina ST4V na ciljane stanice ovisi o pH-vrijednosti, s najvećom adsorpcijom (88 %) zabilježenom pri pH=8 i pH=10. Maksimalna adsorpcija bakteriocina (75 %) na stanice Enterococcus faecalis i Listeria innocua zabilježena je u rasponu temperature od 25 do 37 ºC. Rast bakterije E. mundtii ST4V inhibirali su samo neki antibiotici i protuupalni lijekovi, što upućuje na to da taj soj ima probiotički učinak i na pacijente koji primaju određenu terapiju.

In order to alleviate the current food security situation the world is faced with, it is essential to investigate meat sources which have the potential to be used in a sustainable manner. This review provides substantial argu- ments to prove the viability of sport hunted wildfowl as a food source in Southern Africa. However, before the use of wildfowl meat can be realised, there are certain challenges to overcome in order to ensure meat of the best possible quality reaches the consumer. Important aspects to consider regarding the eating quality of wildfowl meat are identified and include the physical activity of the different portions and muscle fibre types, diet, breeding, age and gender as well as the post mortem handling/ageing of the meat. The safety issues involved in producing gamebird meat i.e. shot contamination (microbial or lead), are also discussed. Other areas that warrant scientific research include investigating the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may have an influence on the ultimate meat quality and exploring possible techni- ques of improving the eating quality of wildfowl meat. The insights these investigations will provide have the potential to increase the commercial viability, directly or indirectly, of African wildfowl meat and thus contribute to food security.