Current situation and prospects for the horse meat market in Poland and the world

Abstract

Humans have developed strong emotional connections with horses throughout the centuries, and horses continue to occupy a special place among other livestock animals. For this reason, horses are reared industrially for slaughter only in some countries. Horse meat is characterized by a high content of protein of high biological value and low levels of fat with a desirable fatty acid profile. Aged horse meat has a long shelf life, and it is an attractive food and raw material for further processing. The high demand for high quality raw horse meat creates new opportunities for breeders, and it could become an alternative or supplementary source of income for traditional livestock farms.