A comparison of biochemical and meat quality variables in red deer (Cervuselaphus) following either slaughter at pasture or killing at a deer slaughter plant

To investigate effects of pre-slaughter handling on blood and muscle bioche mistry and venison quality, paddock-shot (n = 8) and commercially slaughter ed red deer (n = 8) were compared. The deer were kept in two larger groups. One stag per group per day was head-shot, exsanguinated, electrically stim ulated then transported 150 m to a deer slaughter premises (DSP) for proces sing. Prior to each slaughter day one of the groups was mustered into a dee r yards and six (including two experimental) deer were selected for commerc ial handling and processing (including electrical stimulation) at the same DSP. Blood samples taken during exsanguination showed higher levels of cort isol, progesterone, glucose, lactate, albumin, creatine kinase, lactate deh ydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and packed cell volume in the DSP-ki lled deer compared with the paddock-shot deer (P < 0.05). Interpretation of these values indicated that pre-slaughter handling created moderate stress and high levels of muscular exertion or damage, possibly related to antago nism during lairage. However muscle glycogen, pH and meat quality measureme nts showed only minor, muscle-specific differences between treatments. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.