Carcass characteristics of farmed fallow deer bucks

The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of farmed fallow deer carcasses and possible correlations between parameters. The research material consisted of carcasses from male deer slaughtered at the age of 20-21 months. Carcass weight, the weight and percentage share of cuts and internal organs, and correlations between selected parameters were determined. The rump was shown to have the largest percentage share of the carcass, followed by the shoulders and loins. Significant statistical correlations were noted between those cuts and the total carcass weight. Linear regression revealed significant relationships between the weights of individual cuts, which will make it possible to determine them without the need to dissect the carcass. The development of indirect methods of evaluating carcasses can also facilitate their classification, e.g. in meat processing plants.