This episode was recorded at the 2025 Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri.
This episode was recorded at the 2025 Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri.
Panelists introduce themselves and their backgrounds (00:56)
Angelique shares about her company, Montego Pet Nutrition, and what they do. They are located in the Karoo area of South Africa which is famous for large herds of springbok. Springbok meat was a major export to the EU; however a foot and mouth disease outbreak resulted in an export ban in 2011, which had a major impact on the springbok industry. South Africa published a game meat strategy in 2023, but made a major oversight by not including the pet food industry. Byproducts from game meat for human consumption is a major focus of Montego Pet Nutrition. Angelique’s presentation at Petfood Forum detailed how Africa can be a contributor to the evolving pet food protein landscape. (6:48)
Gail asks about processing such a large diversity of game animals. Angelique explains that most harvest is done on-farm, with carcasses transported to plants for further processing. She goes on to describe regulatory oversight of harvest and processing, and goals for making better use of offal that is often left on-farm currently. (11:07)
Dr. Altom gives examples of why novel proteins like game meat are attractive in the pet food market for animals with allergy/inflammation challenges. The panel talks about other game meat species from around the world that have also been considered for the pet food market. (14:40)
The panel discusses sustainability and how these game meat efforts may play an important role in feeding a growing population in Africa. Unfortunately, the export ban is still in place for fresh frozen antelope meat; only ostrich, crocodile, and zebra can be exported at this time. The group goes on to talk about consumer perception of game meat. (25:05)
Angelique notes that they market the antelope product they are using as Karoo Wild, with the tagline of reward, revive and rewild. (32:46)
Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (35:32)
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