Abstract:
Wildlife has been an important protein source for many West African countries over
centuries. Grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) are commonly hunted for food in
Africa, where they serve as the most important bush meat species in terms of both
volume of trade and preference. Grasscutter intestinal digesta is known to be consumed
by Ghanaians especially among the Akans. However, there is limited information on
consumption level, perception and health benefits associated wit its consumption. The
main objective of the study was to determine consumer knowledge and perception on
the consumption of grasscutter intestinal digesta. This study employed quantitative
method and descriptive research approach which involved questionnaire and personal
interview with respondents. A simple random sampling procedure was used to select
209 respondent for the survey. Data from the survey was analysed using SPSS version
20, and the results showed that 67.94% of the respondents were males. A little above
half [122(58.37%)] of the respondents admitted to consuming intestinal digesta of
grasscutter. The majority of respondents [177(84.69%)] believe grasscutter intestinal
digesta has no health benefits. A greater portion of the participants believe that
grasscutter intestinal digesta is safe for consumption [120(57.42%)] and many
[148(70.81%)] also agree it gives good taste and aroma to food. There was a progressive
increase in consumers of grasscutter intestinal digesta with advancing age and this was
statistically significant (p<0.001). Females [91(64.08%); p<0.001], the employed
[99(62.66%); p=0.03] and those aware of grasscutter intestinal digesta [115(64.61%);
p<0.001] were more likely to consume grasscutter intestinal digesta than those who will
not consume it. Determination of the nutritional and microbial quality should form the
focus of future research for grasscutter intestinal digesta. Also, further work should be
done on how to process grasscutter intestinal digesta for easy handling and better
storage life since more than half of the people consume it.
