REINDEER ANTLERS PRESERVATION TECHNIQUE BY ETHYL ACETATE
Reindeer antlers (horns in a precalcified stage) are rich in biologically active substances with a stimulatory action. Antler extract is used as a natural remedy under such conditions as defatigation, neurasthenia, neuroses, asthenic reaction after an acute infectious disease, amyocardia and arterial hypotension. The moisture content of freshly cut antlers is usually 40-70%, and being stored at the temperature above 10°C they may rot within 2-3 days losing the required technological properties. Air-storage of the cut antlers causes the physical, chemical, biological and microbiological processes negatively affecting the quality. The research goal was to develop an easy-to-use and cost-effective preserving agent for reindeer antlers that could completely inhibit rotting while preserving antlers’ biological value and extending storage time. It is proposed to use ethyl acetate which easily penetrates into the tissues ensuring long storage of antlers with 60-70% moisture content. The use of 5-10 L of ethyl acetate per one ton of antlers rendered a preserving effect for 7-14 days at 23°C, and increased amount of ethyl acetate up to 25 L per one ton of antlers extended the storage time to 1.0-1.5 months. The longest preserving effect was obtained by using 50 L of ethyl acetate per one ton of antlers which ensured their storage for 5-6 months. On the basis of the revealed laws of action of ethyl acetate the technological diagram of its use for conserving reindeer horns is offered. Based on the revealed action of ethyl acetate, a process chart of its use for reindeer antlers preservation is proposed.