Chemical composition of meat and blubber of the Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus)

Although the Cape fur seal is harvested commercially in southern Africa, no data exist to indicate whether its meat composition is such that it can be consumed by humans. Presently, these animals are harvested mainly for their hides. Little is known about the chemical composition of the meat and blubber and whether it could be processed into food or animal feed. This is the first report on the chemical composition of the Pectoralis muscle and fat of seal pups and bulls. The fat content in the muscle of pups was higher (4.2 g/100 g) than recorded in bulls (2.4 g/100 g). The protein content in muscle, on the other hand, was similar (23.2 g/100 g) for animals of both age groups. The blubber of bulls had a higher protein level (26.6 g/100 g) compared to that of pups (14.6 g/100 g), but a lower fat content (67.1 g/100 g vs 77.2 g/100 g). Muscle of bulls contained 33% saturated fatty acids (SFA), 29% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and 38% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Muscle of pups contained 39% SFA, 30% MUFA and 31% PUFA. The toxin content in Cape fur seal blubber was lower than that reported for the blubber of Canadian seals. The organochlorine content in the blubber of Cape fur seals was lower than 13.7 ng/g oil, whereas levels as high as 87.2 ng/g have been reported in Canadian seal oil. The chemical composition of the Cape fur seal is such that it could be classified as a healthy meat source.