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Objective
To determine the production characteristics and performance of farmed blackbuck antelope.
Background
Blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra) are native to the grasslands of India and Pakistan. They are small to medium sized antelope which were hunted close to extinction in their natural habitat. They are widespread in zoos and game parks. Alan and Barbara Rundell from South East Gippsland, Victoria, commenced farming a small herd in 1986 and subsequently commenced marketing the meat to Melbourne restaurants. Prior to this project there was no documentation of blackbuck antelope as a farmed species.
Research
Research components included a literature research on the biology and ecology of the species, monitoring performance of the Rundell herd, and evaluation of carcass and meat characteristics.
Outcomes
Blackbuck antelope normally run together as a herd
and can be mustered by one person with a dog. Penned animals
can be restrained by one person. Animals can be weighed, cartagged,
and restrained in a crush. Blackbuck are a grazing animal capable
of thriving on high roughage diets. They are non-seasonal breeders
and have a high potential reproductive rate.
However predation and cold wet weather can cause
high mortality in fawns. Both young and mature animals are susceptible
to internal parasites, particularly in cold wet conditions. These
parasites can be controlled by paddock rotation and anthelmintic
applications.
Animals can be transported to an abattoir and processed on a sheep chain. Carcasses of castrate and entire males were both exceptionally lean. Measurements of pH (typically 5.4 - 5.7) and Warner Bratzler shear test (PF typically 2 - 4 kg) confirmed that there were no adverse effects from stress. The small supply of antelope meat marketed to a limited number of restaurants has achieved a major premium over venison from deer.
Implications
Blackbuck antelope are capable of being farmed and
producing a quality meat product. Their greatest potential is
in subtropical and tropical regions. However the farming of this
species is currently not permitted in most states of Australia
on account of its status as a vertebrate pest (Category 3A).
It is suggested that lowering this status to Category 4B (the
same as for deer) may be appropriate.
RIRDC Project No: UQ-20A
RESEARCHER: Keith Woodford
ORGANISATION: University of Queensland
Gatton College LAWES QLD 4353PHONE: 074 601 320
FAX: 074 601 324PUBLICATION:
Woodford, K B and Rundell, A (1994) 'Farming of Blackbuck Antelope' In van Hoven, H, H Ebedes, H and Conroy A (eds) 'Wildlife Ranching: A Celebration of Diversity' pp345-351. Promedia, Pretoria
Last updated: 10 October 1996
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