Login

“Yellow fat” disease – Dangerous or not?

Photo courtesy of Mathew Harold Emery.

The topic of yellow fat, or “yellow fat” disease as it’s commonly referred to, comes up in conversation quite frequently in both big game and small game hunting circles. This is usually attached to a few happy snaps of a skinned or gutted animal, and is always followed up with the question – is this safe to eat?

Many punters spout the old phrase “If in doubt, throw it out”, speculating that it’s caused by injury or infection. But what is it really?

Yellow fat is a genetic trait that is determined by a recessive gene. Alfalfa and other green feed contain xanthophyll, a fat-soluble compound that is yellow in colour. Animals with the yellow fat gene lack an enzyme that turns the xanthophyll pigment clear. Therefore, the xanthophyll pigment is deposited in the body fat making it yellow. The only concern that you, as a meat eater, would face is a preference to the colour of body fat.

Chances are, you probably trim the fat off anyway. So don’t stress, the animal is safe to eat. Dig in!

Built for Hunters. Made for Australia.

Join Oz Fish and Game and connect with those who live the lifestyle — training, fieldcraft, and mateship for the modern outdoorsman.

JOIN TODAY

Other recent posts...

Suggested posts

Beginners Guide: Planning Your First Hunt

Success is rarely a matter of luck – it often comes as a result of thorough preparation and planning. This guide will walk you through the process of planning your first hunt and highlights a number of external factors that will improve your likelihood of success.

Field Safety: Crossing Fences

One of the most underrated hazards a hunter may face on private property is the humble farm fence.

I know – It sounds ridiculous, right? But in our eagerness to pursue game species on the other side, it’s easy to overlook basic firearms safety. That lapse can put both ourselves and others at serious risk.

This article highlights the importance of firearms safety when crossing a fence and outlines how to navigate this obstacle the right way.

ADF RESERVES vs. CITIZENS’ MILITARY FORCE: What’s the difference?

In my last article, I discussed an alternative solution to national service (conscription). My proposal was to establish a volunteer organisation to support our conventional forces in the event of a foreign invasion. When discussing this concept with a Queensland Senator, I was asked about the differences between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves and my proposed organisation, which I refer to as the Citizens Military Force (CMF). This article outlines my response to that question.

30-Second Fieldcraft: How To Pack Your Rucksack

A well-packed rucksack isn’t just about creating more room for storage, its about ensuring your weight distribution is balanced, gear is protected, and essential items are easily accessible.