Nutritional and sociocultural significance of Branta canadensis (Canada goose) for the eastern James Bay Cree of Wemindji, Quebec

The nutritional and sociocultural significance of Canada Goose was documented through field research in Wemindji, Quebec and laboratory analyses (proximate composition, trace elements, fatty acids and heavy metals) at McGill University. Consumption of different parts varies by age/gender groups. Coo...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Belinsky, Devorah Leah.
Other Authors: Kuhnlein, Harriet (advisor)
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: McGill University 1998
Subjects:
Online Access:http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=20550
Description
Summary:The nutritional and sociocultural significance of Canada Goose was documented through field research in Wemindji, Quebec and laboratory analyses (proximate composition, trace elements, fatty acids and heavy metals) at McGill University. Consumption of different parts varies by age/gender groups. Cooked flesh samples contained 25.04--36.46 g/100g protein, 6 19--26.35 g/100g fat, 5.58--11.68 mg/100g iron, 2.77--4.81 mg/100g zinc, 4.91--27.59 mg/100g calcium and 0.22--0.75 mg/100g copper. Lung and liver samples contained high amounts of iron (44.24 and 49.18 mg/100g, respectively). Canada goose provides lower amounts of saturated fatty acids and higher amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids as compared to lard. Heavy metal content of Canada goose was found to be very low, with exception of several samples containing high lead levels. Canada goose is a highly valued food, providing important amounts of energy, protein, iron, zinc and copper. This resource also has significance in spiritual, cultural and social life of the Cree.