This thesis describes experimental work conducted to define factors associated with the occurrence of ecchymosis (blood splash) in fallow deer, and discusses facets of the Australian venison processing sector with respect to its capacity to improve the quality of venison. Data was collected on 1804 deer slaughtered experimentally (n equals 494) or at commercial works (n equals 1310) in a range of different slaughter systems. The study showed that a number of factors contribute to the expression of ecchymosis in the carcases of slaughtered deer, and the tailoring of slaughter procedures to suit particular slaughter systems is likely to reduce the extent to which ecchymosis occurs. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)