title: Effect of concentrate feeding on instrumental meat quality and sensory characteristics of fallow deer venison.
abstract: Venison from twenty four hybrid fallow deer does, 36months old with an initial body condition score (BCS) of 2, was tested to determine the influence of feed type on meat quality. Feeding with concentrates increased BCS (P<0.01) but did not affect ultimate pH (P>0.05). BCS 4 animals had higher intra muscular fat (IMF) (P<0.01), and more tender meat (P<0.05). Venison from does fed over 24weeks exhibited less redness (P<0.01) than those fed for 19weeks regardless of feed type. Panellists evaluated samples for colour, flavour, tenderness, juiciness and overall liking. They detected significantly (P<0.05) stronger flavour in meat from animals fed concentrates. Male panellists detected flavour differences within meat from animals fed concentrates (P<0.05), with longer feeding periods resulting in stronger flavour. There was no difference in overall liking, therefore finishing fallow deer on grain-based concentrate feeds prior to slaughter provided little commercial advantage.
authors: School of Natural Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW, 1797 Australia. c.hutchison@uws.edu.au
authors: C L
authors: CL
authors: Hutchison
authors: R C
authors: RC
authors: Mulley
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Wiklund
authors: J S
authors: JS
authors: Flesch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition; D003116:Color; D003670:Deer; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D002523:Edible Grain; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000737:chemistry; D013649:Taste