Carcass quality in male fallow deer ( Dama dama): effects of age and supplementary feeding

Thirty-two male fallow deer, half 18- and half 30-month-old, were slaughtered after a 4-month feeding trial on pasture alone or with daily supplement of 500 g (dry matter) concentrate/head (eight each 18- and 30-month-old). The concentrate was composed of 40% maize, 25% sugar beet pulp, 20% alfalfa,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Meat science 2002-04, Vol.60 (4), p.427-432
Main Authors: Volpelli, L.A., Valusso, R., Piasentier, E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Animal productions
Biological and medical sciences
Carcass
Fallow deer
Food industries
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Meat and meat product industries
Supplementary feeding
Terrestrial animal productions
Vertebrates
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Summary:Thirty-two male fallow deer, half 18- and half 30-month-old, were slaughtered after a 4-month feeding trial on pasture alone or with daily supplement of 500 g (dry matter) concentrate/head (eight each 18- and 30-month-old). The concentrate was composed of 40% maize, 25% sugar beet pulp, 20% alfalfa, 13% soy flakes, 2% minerals and vitamins. Supplemented deer were heavier (49.9 vs 45.0 kg) and their carcasses produced higher dressing proportions (61.5 vs 57.2%) and bigger amounts of first quality cuts. Supplemented feeding improved muscle development and fat deposition. Thirty-month-olds were heavier than 18-month-olds (53.3 vs 41.6 kg) and their carcasses produced higher dressing proportions (60.9 vs 57.7%) and bigger amounts of first quality cuts; older deer carcasses showed better conformation and bigger amounts of fat deposition.
ISSN:0309-1740
1873-4138
DOI:10.1016/S0309-1740(01)00156-5