Microbial and Heavy Metal Assessment of Meat Samples from Ranched and Non-ranched Domestic Animals Sold at Gariki Market, Enugu State, Nigeria

Studies were carried out to evaluate the microbial and heavy metal contamination of meat samples from ranched non-ranched domestic animals sold at Gariki market, Enugu State, using standard analytical biochemical procedures instrumentation.The (goat, cow, pig chicken) procured slaughter market under ice condition transported laboratory for analysis. Ranched goat meat, cow indoor-reared pork out-door reared chicken in-door had mean Cd values ranging 0.110- 0.292 µg/g; Pb, 0.176 -0.505µg/g Cu, 1.303 -5.972µg/g.The levels investigated metals in statistically significant. Meat non- some or ones (cow pig) toxic level. Mean Pb value non –ranched followed same trend. The pathogenic bacteria interest food scientists namely, S. aureus, Streptococcus spp. Salmonella enteritidis isolated animals. range bacterial counts S.aureus, in-door-reared 1.04 × 102 – 1.73× 10 8 Cfu/g. 1.14×102 2.64 106 Cfu/g 0.82 ×102 -3.92×105 respectively. With inclusion samples, organisms above threshold limits. quality (out-door reared) could be said more burdened by contamination, which apart decreasing nutritive meats, also portends safety challenges consumers.