Summary
This study characterised the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of intramuscular fat in farmed rhea (Rhea americana) meat from 12-month-old birds fed balanced commercial feed with grass access. Rhea meat demonstrated a favourable lipid profile with predominant monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (42.3% and 29.7% respectively), suggesting potential cardiovascular health benefits compared to conventional red meat sources.
Regional applicability
Rhea farming is not established in the United Kingdom; this research has limited direct applicability to UK livestock systems or dietary guidance. However, the fatty acid profiling methodology and nutritional assessment approach could inform comparative meat quality evaluations for alternative and game meats within UK food composition databases.
Key measures
Proximate composition (moisture 74.1%, protein 22.8%, ash 1.5%, total lipids 1.6%); intramuscular fatty acid profile including individual fatty acids (18:2n-6, 18:1n-9, 16:0, etc.); PUFA/SFA ratio (1.06); n-6/n-3 ratio (31.30)
Outcomes reported
The study determined the proximate composition (moisture, protein, ash, lipids) and detailed fatty acid profiles of intramuscular fat in farmed rhea thigh muscle. Rhea meat showed predominance of monounsaturated (42.3%) and polyunsaturated (29.7%) fatty acids, with a PUFA/SFA ratio of 1.06.
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