Veterinary and sanitary evaluation of carcasses of wild ducks caught in the Omsk region

Representatives of the duck family (lat. Anatidae) of the order Anseriformes are described as an object of commercial and sports hunting. The rationale for determining the species affiliation of wild ducks caught during spring hunting on the territory of the Tyukalinsky and Bolsheukovsky districts of the forest and northern forest-steppe zone of the Omsk region is presented. It is noted that the most common wild duck in these areas is mallard. Also, such ducks as tufted duck and garrot become prey for hunters. It is noted that in relation to the hunting on wild ducks there are a number of regulatory documents limiting the hunting period, taking into account regional characteristics. On the territory of the Omsk region, spring hunting is allowed only on the drakes of wild ducks. Identification of representatives of the duck family was carried out using reference books and identifiers for plumage and anatomical and morphological features of carcasses. In the absence of a pre-slaughter inspection of game, it is necessary to conduct a mandatory veterinary inspection, taking into account the epizootic state of the area. A comprehensive veterinary and sanitary assessment included a study of meat for the presence of pathological changes, as well as tests for organoleptic and physicochemical indicators, and microbiological studies. During veterinary examination, no visible changes were observed, except for those caused by the shot. According to our data, injuries to the head, wings and superficial damage to carcasses do not affect the quality of meat and fat of ducks if gutted and cooled in a timely manner. The results of both organoleptic and physicochemical studies prove that all meat from the studied carcasses can be classified as fresh and of good quality.