Identificação e caracterização de alterações macroscópicas em fígados de rãs-touro (Lithobates Catesbeianus) abatidas para consumo humano

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify and characterize macroscopic alterations in livers of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), slaughtered for human consumption, detected at post-mortem inspection in a commercial slaughterhouse. The livers of 99 bull frogs, male and female, were evaluated during the post-mortem sanitary inspection at the slaughterhouse of the Federal University of Uberlândia. The collection work began on May 22 and was finalized on July 18. The animals were between three and five months old and underwent a 24-hour feed fast. At the time of evisceration, when livers were collected and the carcass was identified, in order to register whether they were male or female animals. The livers were then photodocumented and the main macroscopic changes were recorded in a spreadsheet. Livers were evaluated for color, shape of borders and texture (firm to very friable), as well as evaluation of the gallbladder. After the macroscopic recording of the findings, these were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Of the 99 livers with liver abnormalities, 65 (65,6%) were females and 34 (34,3%) were males. Of these, 59 (59,5%) had full gall bladder and the remainder (39,6%), the vesicle was empty. In relation to coloration, 13 (13,1%) livers were pale, 61 (61,6%) grayish (figures a and b), 18 (18,1%) were pink, 4 (4,0%) reddish and 3 animals (3,0%) purplish. It is concluded that females were more affected than males and due to the appearance of lesions, their cause may be associated with feeding frogs.