Deer- Completed Projects

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RIRDC Completed Projects in 1998-1999 & Research in Progress as at June 1999
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SUB-PROGRAM 2.2 DEER

To Research in Progress

COMPLETED PROJECTS
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
CSS-1A	Adding Value to Venison Forequaters and Trimmings using Cold-Set Binders	Dr Dean Gutzke and Ms Aarti Tobin	07 3214 2000	Food Science Australia
DIP-1A	The Development of the Deer Industry as a Major Australian Livestock Industry	Mr Chris Tuckwell	08 8523 3500	Deer Industry Projects & Developments Pty Ltd
FP-1A	Exporting Venison to Israel - A market development test case	Lynelle Tume	07 3821 4200	FoodScape Pty Ltd
MS978-35	Reports for 2nd World Deer Farming Congress and the 4th World Deer Biology Conference	Chris Tuckwell	08 8523 3500	Deer Industry Company
OVH-1A	A study of reproductive performance and pre-weaning mortality in farmed red deer in Australia	Andrew Hansen	02 6361 8388	Orange Veterinary Hospital
UWS-12A	Identification of Factors Associated with Ecchymosis (blood splash) in Deer	Dr Robert Mulley	02 4570 1438	Faculty of Environmental Management & Agriculture UWS Hawkesbury

Project Title	Adding Value to Venison Forequaters and Trimmings using Cold-Set Binders
RIRDC Project No.:	CSS-1A
Researcher:	Dr Dean Gutzke and Ms Aarti Tobin
Organisation:	Food Science Australia PO Box 3312 Tingalpa D.C. QLD 4173
Phone:	07 3214 2000
Fax:	07 3214 2062
Objectives	The overall objective of this project was to develop cold-set binding technologies that could be used by processors to add value to under-utilised venison forequarters and trimmings.
Background	Compared to venison primals, venison forequarters and trimmings are sold at a relatively lower price. This meat quite often contains high levels of connective tissue and some small pieces of gristle. The low value of venison forequarters and trimmings reflects the limited commercial uses of this meat in high quality products, which means they are generally in oversupply. Therefore this project was undertaken to develop cold-set binder technologies that would add value to venison forequarters and trimmings. Cold-set binders have the ability to bind small, raw pieces of meat together to form a larger piece of meat, which could be cut into steaks or roasted as a joint of meat.
Research	Two different cold-set binding systems, Alginate and Pearl F, were evaluated. In the alginate system the meat, mainly trimmings, was minced into 2-4cm pieces, mixed with the binder, filled into a casing and held in a chiller overnight for the bind to form. Once the bind had formed, the meat could be cut into steaks for frying or into strips for stir-frying. In the Pearl F system, larger pieces of forequarter meat were dusted with Pearl F, the dusted surfaces stuck together, rolled into a log using a stretchable plastic film and held in the chiller overnight for the bind to form. Once the bind had formed, the product could be cut into steaks, or roasted as a joint of meat. Both products were evaluated for colour, flavour, microbiological status and bind strength.
Outcomes	Both alginate and Pearl F bound products were microbiologically safe, had an acceptable flavour, texture and bind strength. Pearl F bound products had similar colour shelf-life to non-bound venison meat, whereas alginate bound product had a significantly better colour shelf-life compared to minced venison meat. Connective tissue content was often highly variable and required sorting and desinewing prior to use in alginate binding system. The optimum level of desinewed meat in the alginate system was 30%
Implications	The cold-set binder technology can be used to produce higher value venison products from venison forequarters and trimmings. The technology is relatively low cost and versatile, thereby creating opportunities for venison products in the retail, catering, institutional and fast food markets
Publications	The final report for this project has been submitted to RIRDC.

Project Title	The Development of the Deer Industry as a Major Australian Livestock Industry
RIRDC Project No.:	DIP-1A
Researcher:	Mr Chris Tuckwell
Organisation:	Deer Industry Projects & Developments Pty Ltd PO Box 1105 GAWLER SA 5118
Phone:	08 8523 3500; Mobile: 0149 864 725
Fax:	08 8522 6126
Email:	cdtuckwell@bigpond.com.au
Objectives	To develop and implement strategies that will consolidate and expand production of Australian deer products and position the Australian deer industry as a commercial livestock industry which complements Australia's traditional livestock industries.
Background	The Australian deer industry's background has been well documented. The appointment of the Venison Market Development Manager (VMDM) in 1992 not only led to a significant increase in the domestic consumption of venison but also to a dramatic increase in the international demand for Australian venison. Australian production of deer velvet has also increased to almost 18 tonnes in 1995/96. Despite the creation and development of new markets for Australian deer industry products, the supply of products, particularly venison was maintained by the slaughter of young breeding females resulting in a depletion in the industry's female breeding herds. To maintain existing venison markets in the short term and increase in the long term, the industry's top priority was to increase the size and production capacity of the national herd according to industry Quality Assurance standards.
Research	The four major components to the project were: (i) implement strategies to increase the size of the National deer herd; (ii) establish a comprehensive industry database of accurate industry statistics; (iii) the establishment of a centralised data transfer centre; and (iv) undertake training programs to educate industry members of the need for increased production, efficiency and quality of production.
Outcomes	Six months into the two-year project the industry experienced a significant downfall in product prices which in turn reduced returns to growers. The industry remains in a state of depression at the end of project. However a range of strategies to increase the deer herd have been undertaken. They include the development of a series of seven technical and investment manuals and the reproduction of a range of product promotional material. A database on industry statistics that comprises a mixture of actual and estimated data has been compiled. This information is used to predict industry growth and likely turn off. The Deer Industry Company has established its office as a data transfer centre and maintains technical, statistical, reference and quality assurance databases. An industry Quality Assurance Program has been implemented and its promotion to industry is ongoing. Statistical data collected includes industry information on average venison prices by carcase weight range within breeds.

Project Title	Exporting Venison to Israel - A market development test case
RIRDC Project No.:	FP-1A
Researcher:	Lynelle Tume
Organisation:	FoodScape Pty Ltd 16 Martingale Court, CLEVELAND QLD 4163
Phone:	07 3821 4200
Fax:	07 3821 4200
Objectives	To research and analyse the market potential for deer and deer products to Israel and to provide recommendations and strategies for consumer support of Australian venison.
Background	The deer industry in Western Australia is under considerable pressure to find markets for its deer and venison products. The local food service and consumer market is small, and the costs associated with transport of live deer or venison to the larger East Coast marketplace makes the product too expensive to compete. Export is the preferred option which is constrained by lack of export abattoirs able or willing to slaughter deer. A company representing many deer farmers was already involved with the live cattle trade to the Middle East and interest in importing live deer to Israel was initiated by their clients. Given the requirement for kosher slaughter and the lack of any export slaughter facilities available in Western Australia, the option of live export was investigated.
Research	There were three major components to the project. Initial desk research established the special cultural and religious needs for this market, particularly related to food laws. Specific market sectors were also researched, as they have different needs and restrictions. Contacts were sought from the clients and their distribution chain, and both Austrade and Israel Trade Commission were able to supply contacts in the food and hotel sector. In-market research was undertaken in Israel and meetings held with all contacts, and finally, information sessions were conducted with prospective end users of Australian venison.
Outcomes	In the short to medium term, it is not possible to export venison from Australia to Israel even for the non-kosher market. There is, however, demand for the product from hotel chefs and restaurants generally to add variety to the red meats currently available and to provide a product with better eating quality. Supply of live animals is the only way to service this demand. The export of live deer from Western Australia has proceeded as part of the well-established live cattle trade via Jordanian ships. Further evaluation of the success of the early shipments will need to be undertaken as an on-going task. The work from this project sought to identify the requirements of the strict veterinary protocol of Israel, as they will apply to deer, and to facilitate the movement of deer through quarantine yards to resting feedlots prior to slaughter. Constraints and pre-requisite tasks were identified and addressed through discussions at both the Israeli and Australian ends. Initial sessions with the food service sector to provide information on the characteristics and desirable attributes of Australian venison were well received and it is probable that a prominent chef from Israel will visit Australia to become more familiar with the meat and preparation and recipe development for venison. The existing printed material used for the domestic and export markets has proved adequate as an understanding of English is usual in this group of potential venison users.
Implications	The market will initially be small but the scope for growth is encouraging. Analysis of the statistics for consumption and purchase of meat, the dine out frequency and the increasing numbers of non-orthodox or reform Jews who are less concerned with the dietary laws, all indicate a shift towards new and better eating quality meats. How soon this evolves is largely dependent on the political and religious power bases. The export of deer to this market does offer a short to medium term solution to the Western Australian turn off need.

Project Title	Reports for 2nd World Deer Farming Congress and the 4th World Deer Biology Conference
RIRDC Project No.:	MS978-35
Researcher:	Chris Tuckwell
Organisation:	Deer Industry Company PO Box 1105, GAWLER 5118
Phone:	08 8523 3500
Fax:	08 8522 6126
Objectives	To attend both conferences on behalf of the Australian deer industry and to provide a written summary of both conferences to industry.
Background	In 1996 the Australian Deer Industry and RIRDC Industry Development Plans targeted a 50% increase in the Australian farmed deer population by the year 2000. Major markets for venison (the major product of commercial deer farming) already exist in Europe and newer markets are being developed in Asia and the USA. It is important that the Australian Industry is well informed of international industry developments and of advances in production, processing and marketing technology. The industry must have accurate knowledge of market developments and of those factors that influence market access for its products. International economic downturns, heightened the need for accurate knowledge of international market and industry status, not only to encouraged industry growth but to prevent industry shrinkage. The Second International Deer Industry Congress is only the second time all countries involved in commercial deer fencing have met. The Fourth International Deer Biology Congress addresses issues related to Deer Behaviour, Genetics, Deer Antler, Asian research, Deer Welfare, Reproduction and Nutrition. The deer industry must remain informed of current trends and research results and technical developments.
Research	The Conference: The 2nd World Deer Farming Congress was held in Limerick, Ireland from 24 to 28 June, 1998. While some technical issues were addressed, most of the conference papers were related to issues of product pricing, marketing, marketing access and welfare. The 4th World Deer Biology Congress was held in Kaposvar, Hungary from 30 June to 4 July, 1998. This well-planned congress addressed technical issues of deer production including nutrition, reproduction, management, processing, velvet production and deer welfare among others. Some conference papers address aspects of management of feral populations and their influence on local environments.
Outcomes	The Reports: The reports provide a summary of all conference papers and an executive summary of each conference highlights the major issues of each conference. A major outcome of the Irish conference was an agreement to establish an International Deer Secretariat and an international public Internet site for the free exchange of technical information on Deer. There were many interesting papers in the Hungary conference and an interesting survey of recent improvements in deer nutrition were a highlight. The increasing need to consider deer welfare as part of industry Quality Assurance programs was highlighted toward the end of the congress.
Implications	Two general summary implications can be drawn from the two congresses. They are that (i) the Australian deer industry needs to identify and develop small niche markets for its venison products that minimise direct competition with New Zealand; and (ii) Quality Assurance programs that include animal welfare standards should be adopted across the industry to improve market access and the long term profitability of all sectors of the industry.

Project Title	A study of reproductive performance and pre-weaning mortality in farmed red deer in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	OVH-1A
Researcher:	Andrew Hansen
Organisation:	Orange Veterinary Hospital 57 Molong Road, ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone:	02 6361 8388
Fax:	02 6362 3970
Email:	hansena@netwit.net.au
Objectives	To assess reproductive performance in farmed red deer, determine its variability, create reasonable targets for farmers, and identify management practices that would optimise reproduction. Also, to document the major causes of pre-weaning mortality.
Background	Reproductive performance, expressed as calves weaned per hinds joined, is the primary determinant of pre-farm gate efficiency in breeding herds for meat production. Poor reproductive performance and incidents of calf mortality have been identified as major problems by producers. Without information on performance, management strategies to improve efficiency cannot be developed. Recognising that a herd is of below optimal reproductive performance, determining the causes and instituting corrective measures will greatly improve the productive efficiency of a farming enterprise.
Research	There were a number of components to the project. A questionnaire relating to farm reproduction performance and management was sent to approximately 200 red deer farmers annually for four years, 105 farmers participated in the survey. Data was collected from necropsy examination of calves conducted during the study period and from diagnostic laboratory archives. Abattoir specimens of female genitalia were examined for possible causes of infertility. Birth weight data was collected. Pregnancy hind mobs were monitored for foetal loss. A basic body condition score system was developed. Finally, as it has been implicated in infertility, two trials were conducted to assess the role of the trace element selenium in red deer production.
Outcomes	The weaning rate (calves weaned per 100 hinds joined) of the 21,300 hinds for which reproductive data was provided over the four years of the project was 77.98% with a range from 76.42% to 80.31%. The minimum calving rate (calves weaned plus observed calf deaths, n=877) was 82.14%. Minimum calf mortality 5.28%. 1.44% of hinds died annually. The dystocia rate 1.27% of joined hinds. Mean weight of male calves was 10.5kg (n=92), female calves 9.5kg (n=78). 50.03% of calves with recorded gender (n=12682), were male. 5.6 sets of twins were born for every 10,000 hinds joined. The cause of death of most calves was unknown to the farmer (36.5%). Most deaths were attributed to management practices and the weather. Of dead calves submitted for laboratory examination, the most common diagnosis was enteritis involving Cryptosporidia sp organisms. A positive growth rate response resulted when weaner hinds were grazed on spring pasture top-dressed with selenium. A suppression of growth rate was exhibited in a group of yearling hinds when orally dosed with selenium during winter.
Implications	The comparative weaning rate in a recent New Zealand study was 83.6%, with an annual hind mortality 1.77% and minimum calf mortality of 2.32%. Australian deer farms must improve their reproductive efficiency to compete internationally. In this study, the retention of non-breeding hinds is the most important suppressor of reproductive performance. Other management practices that affect weaning rate are discussed in final report.

Project Title	Identification of Factors Associated with Ecchymosis (blood splash) in Deer
RIRDC Project No.:	UWS-12A
Researcher:	Dr Robert Mulley
Organisation:	Faculty of Environmental Management & Agriculture UWS Hawkesbury, RICHMOND NSW 2753
Phone:	02 4570 1438
Fax:	02 4570 1383
Objectives	To determine the prevalence of ecchymosis in deer carcasses, and to develop ways to minimise the occurrence of this economically important meat quality defect.
Background	Following establishment of deer farming in Australia as an alternative meat production system, the slaughter of large numbers of deer at commercial abattoirs commenced in the early 1990’s. The carcasses from these animals were often affected by ecchymosis (otherwise known as blood splash) and the venison was frequently downgraded or condemned. Anecdotal reports of the frequency of ecchymosis in deer carcasses, particularly from fallow deer, prompted a meeting in 1994 between the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Venison wholesalers and interested research groups to determine ways in which this problem could be investigated, and if possible resolved.
Research	The experimental approach involved analysis and review of factors associated with the occurrence of ecchymosis in other livestock species, collection and analysis of case study information from a range of abattoirs where deer are slaughtered, and from these analyses the planning of experiments on techniques used for stunning and exsanguination of deer, sex of deer, time of year that slaughter of deer took place, and various combinations of these factors. Some of the experimental work was conducted in a small research abattoir where slaughter conditions could be controlled, and the outcomes of these trials were then tested under commercial conditions.
Outcomes	The results from this study confirmed that ecchymosis is a significant problem in deer carcasses, particularly in slaughter systems involving rusa deer and fallow deer. Analysis of data from slaughter trials indicate that a number of changes should be implemented in commercial abattoirs where deer are slaughtered, that will minimise the extent to which ecchymosis occurs in the carcasses of deer. Specific recommendations to industry include: incorporation of the thoracic stick method of exsanguination into all slaughter systems used for deer; reduction of the interval between stunning and exsanguination to less than five seconds. Where the interval is between 5 and 10 seconds, captive bolt stunning should be preferred to head only electrical stunning, but if the interval is between 10 and 20 seconds, head only electrical stunning should be preferred; the minimum voltage required for humane head only electrical stunning of fallow deer is 150 volts for a current duration of 1 second; sex of deer slaughtered will affect the prevalence of ecchymosis, with castrates and does more likely to exhibit ecchymosis than bucks; sale of whole carcass will often mask ecchymosis, but the left round is a useful indicator tissue for ecchymosis in the rest of the carcass. Ideally, fallow deer carcasses should not be exported as whole carcasses; denvering of venison primals will remove superficial ecchymosis.
Implications	Simple changes to deer slaughter systems can minimise the extent to which ecchymosis occurs. However, it is considered likely that adoption of these changes will be slow given the relative size of the deer industry, and the conservative response to change that characterises the Australian meat processing sector. Some of the required changes are also contingent on acceptance by Muslim slaughtermen that currently practiced methods of stunning and exsanguination associated with Halal slaughter can be modified without compromising religious or animal welfare guidelines. Increased quality assurance for Australian venison will result from adoption of recommendations from this study, and the advertising of "ecchymosis free" venison may become an important marketing tool for this product in the future.

Last updated: 4 September 1999
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http://www.rirdc.gov.au/99comp/deer1.htm