Evaluation of salt cured Kenyan hides and skins Part I of a case study at Mariakani Curing premises, Coast province, Kenya

Abstract

A study was conducted at curing premises at Mariakani at the Coast province of Kenya, where salt curing of hides and skins from Cattle, goat and sheep was evaluated. The parameters investigated eventually compared various species in aspects related to blood yield at slaughter point and moisture loss during preservation in a span of 0, 7 and 14 days. The results indicated that blood yield (%) based on body weight showed Sheep>Goat>Cattle. Moreover, moisture weight was highest on the first 7days and reduced to the minimum on day 14 onwards. However, the highest % moisture loss when Cattle hides, sheep and goat skins were compared indicating that both in day 7 and 14 hides>goat>sheep. Incidentally blood yield of an animal specie positively correlated to that of body weight. This was exhibited when Goat skins (weighing 12 kg ± 2.65) yielded 5.5% ± 1.12 blood of its body weight whilst Sheepskins (weighing 13kg± 2.00) yielded 6.7% ± 1.72 of its body weight. The resultant effluent for such moisture production indicated that various amounts of complex contaminant were produced in the process. The final effluent emanating from the cured hides and skins were further characterized and the parameters such as the COD, Lead, Copper, Zinc, Salinity, particulate matter, pH and turbidity were analysed. It is envisaged that further studies be undertaken to evaluate the effluents impact; on soils, aquatic and atmospheric systems to determine the extent of potential damage to the environment.