Extraction of Nigerian Beef Tallow by Wet Rendering Process and its Characterization

Nigeria has relied for several decades on the importation of tallow fat for her industries despite its inconsistency in availability and price in the market The above challenges and the recent soaring value of Dollars to Naira have made it highly necessary for Nigeria to consider the quantum of about 9 tonnes/day of tallow fat sent down the drain in each Nigerian slaughterhouse. Therefore, this research work has investigated the Physico-chemical quality of Nigerian beef tallow fat obtained by wet rendering of slaughterhouse waste from Obosi in Anambra State of Nigeria. It was analyzed using AOAC procedures (1990, 1993). The slaughter waste gave 15% yield of tallow fat with 199.5 mg/gkOH, 0.40%, 2.05% of saponification value, unsaponifable matter and Free Fatty Acid (FFA), respectively. The Gas Chromatography (GC) revealed the following fatty acids: 46.65% stearic acid, followed by 41.33% palmitic acid and 9.0% oleic acid. The results were found to be agreement with ISO and CODEX-STAN 211(1999) standards. To this end, the quality and usefulness of Nigerian beef tallow has been validated. Hence, investment in this area would help reposition Nigerian slaughterhouse waste matter control strategy, economy and industry.