MEAT QUALITIES AND USES of GRASSCUTTER
The meat qualities of the grass cutter compare favorably with those of domesticated livestock species. Mature live weight ranges from 5 to 8kg. It has an average dressing percentage of 65%.
However with the consumption of the head an entrails this can reach 80%.
The nutritional value of grass cutter meat is as good as those from domestic animals.
Beef, Lamb and pork also contain higher fat percentage than meat from the grass cutter.
In fact grass cutter meat is nutritionally superior to some domestic meat because of its high protein to fat ratio and higher mineral contents. The meat quality is also leaner and non-cholestrogenic.
The meat is very tasty when compared to both domestic and familiar game species.
The grass cutter also play an important
role in traditional African medicine for preparation of concoctions for fertility etc.
In Ghana, the hair of the grass cutter is used to season food just as much as its stomach and intestinal contents.
Also, the pancreas of the grass cutter contains a high concentration of insulin which is used in local preparation for the treatment of diabetes.
