The effects of supplementary feeding on carcass and meat quality in fallow deer (Dama dama)

The effects of supplementary feeding on carcass and meat quality were studied on thirty-two male fallow deer, half 18- and half 30-month-old, slaughtered after a 4-month feeding trial on pasture alone or with daily supplement of 500 g DM of concentrate/head (eight each 18- and 30-month-old). Supplemented deer were heavier (49.9 vs 45.0 kg) and their carcasses produced higher dressing proportion (60.5 vs 56.2%) and bigger amount of first quality cuts. Supplementary feeding improved muscle development and fat deposition: the latter was higher both in carcasses and in meat. Thirty-month-olds were heavier (53.3 vs 41.6 kg) and their carcasses produced higher dressing proportion (59.9 vs 56.8%) and bigger amount of first quality cuts; their carcasses showed better conformation and higher fat deposition.