MEAT COMPOSITION OF INDIGENOUS PIGEONS AS INFLUENCED BY SEX, AGE AND SEASONS

One hundred and twenty indigenous pigeons of either sexes of different age groups were sacrificed in different seasons to assess the interactions of sex, age and seasons on the proximate composition and gross energy values of fresh boneless meat. The dry matter and protein contents decreased but the fat, ash and energy contents increased linearly as the birds aged. Seasons and age had significant influences on either of these two performance traits. Meat of growing pigeons of both sexes was found to contain high protein and low fat throughout the year.