• To compare and contrast the incidence of ecchymosis and pH levels in deer carcasses under two alternative slaughtering systems. 
• To determine the influence of carcass fat levels and a number of other pre-slaughter conditions on the occurrence of ecchymosis and high pH levels in deer carcasses. 
• 3 .To provide abattoirs and producers with information to help reduce the occurrence of ecchymosis and high pH in venison.

At this stage, we have recorded 4 weeks kill and have a further 9 to go. A lot of the information that we are hoping to get will not be available until the project is finished and the two different killing systems compared. We are delighted with the new system so far and, at this early stage of recording, we are finding a marked decrease in ecchymosis in the carcasses.

• The development and commercialisation of existing knowledge into a computer Decision Support Software (DSS) management package, which will evaluate both nutritional and economic 'whole farm' management scenarios for red (Cervus elaphus) and rusa (Cervus timorensis) deer in Queensland. 
• The project is designed to provide existing farmers a tool to improve information and management skills on a 'whole property' basis, in addition to acting as a precursor for further industry expansion.

Completion of the review has allowed for compilation of nutritional extension material to be available to the Queensland deer industry via the ‘QDPI Note’ series. Newly compiled feed requirement tables also allow ration formulation and feed management planning to be initiated on a larger industry scale. 

Project staff are currently concentrating on refinement and validation of mathematical models and algorithms concerning deer production, and the compilation of deer management modules.

The project team is currently on schedule to have a commercial DSS for deer management available to industry by the end of 1999.

CEDAR CREEK NSW 2325

• To process and distribute 500 deer carcasses via an integrated supply chain in NSW during the six months from April 1, 1999. 
• To create a public awareness of quality-assured Australian venison through quality restauranteurs and retailers with appropriate point-of-sale support. Initial retailers would be suitable butchers.

A dozen restaurants and a cooking school have been contacted and provided with wholesale details and availability of locally-grown product.

Demand has seen 20 carcasses slaughtered at Woy Woy abattoir.

Mr Heslop has also designed and built a new slaughter box and transporter for deer which are used at the abattoir. These are designed for ease-of-use by a single operator.

Personal contact with retailers and restaurateurs will continue to develop demand in the region and test venison in the market.

• To improve the ability of deer farmers to control growth and survival of young deer by investigating the feasibility and effects of weaning at various ages and advising practicable early-weaning strategies by 2000.

• Provision of cost-effective strategies for nutrition of weaner deer in dryland farming regions in southern Australia that will reduce nutritional stress in the dry autumn post-weaning period and maintain high growth rates. 
• Through dissemination of research results, improve deer production and foster expansion of the deer industry into dryland farming systems.

Project silage and hay were made and lucerne established in 1998. Grain batches, electric fencing and watering facilities were prepared in Feb-April 1999. Following weaning in early May, fawns were grouped into two replications of the five treatments (6 weaners per plot) and treatments and weighings begun. The problem of escape of some animals through the electric fence is currently being addressed.

In spite of abnormally low rainfall in the November-April period, the young lucerne stand and the annual medic pasture, which regenerated in late March, have survived. They are now responding to good rains from mid-May. In all, therefore, a successful project is indicated.

• Prepare information on the feed intake and energy requirements of pregnant and lactating fallow deer.

Results of data analysis show particular energy needs associated with the last nine weeks of pregnancy and first ten weeks of lactation. 

Observations of feeding behaviour have been collected for deer at pasture and in pen feeding trials, and will be analysed to assist with validation of feed requirement data obtained from feeding individual animals in pens. 

Body condition score for over 200 deer have been collected using a scoring system developed during this project, and these have been validated at slaughter. Analysis of bone marrow fat, kidney fat index and various blood metabolites is continuing. Current experimental work is focussed on the effects of various levels of maternal nutrition on placental development and foetal growth in the first trimester. 

This work will complement experimental work previously completed on placental and foetal development throughout the latter half of pregnancy, to parturition.