The thesis is concerned with the study of the economics of venison production in Scotland. It examines the various production systems utilised at present both in the wild and on an intensive farm and analyses the factors affecting productivity and their relative importance in each system. The evolution of the red deer in Scotland and more recent developments in the market for venison are examined in the early chapters. In addition, the production system in the wild is analysed and a production function is developed. In order to study the population dynamics of the red deer, a mathematical model is constructed. This is used in conjunction with the production function developed previously to illustrate the interaction between the ecological and economic factors which govern the productivity of red deer populations. In the light of this analysis, a number of recommendations are made for the improvement of productivity in the wild. The limitations of this production system, however, pose a problem for the practical implementation of such proposals. To some extent, these may be overcome by the adoption of a more intensive production system, although this in turn creates its own problems. The second part of this thesis is thus concerned with the study of the intensive system. The experimental deer farm at Glensaugh forms the basis f~ the investigation of this system. The data thus obtained are used in conjunction with a modified version of the mathematical model previously developed. This is incorporated in a linear programming format so that the farming system may be analysed and the operating strategies compared. The objective of the analysis is to determine which factors exert the greatest influence upon the operating strategies in terms of operating profit. Once these critical areas are identified, research effort may be directed more effectively to improve the system performance. The above analysis leads to a number of recommendations regarding' the operating strategies on a deer farm. The financial aspects of such an operation are examined and provide some basis against which the future viability of the farming operation might be assessed. No attempt is made to define levels of acceptable returns on investment. The intention is rather to determine the effects which changes in the economic and environmental conditions have upon investment potential. Although this study provides some tentative solutions as to how improvements in productivity may be obtained these should not be regarded as final. As knowledge of the production system improves, the solutions to the problems will change as will the problems themselves.

Background:Today'ssocietyimposehighdemandsonnumerousstakeholders,placing significantpressureonvaluechainsandtheirassociatedflows.Currenttopicssuchashunting, sustainability,andmeatconsumptionarevigorouslydebatedinmedia.Inlightofthese circumstances,alargelyuntappedresourceintheformofvenisonexists.Approximately80%of allvenisoninSwedendoesnotentertheopenmarket.Instead,itremainsinthepossessionof huntersthemselvesorontheprivatemarket. Purpose:Thepurposeofthisthesisistomapoutthevaluechainofvenison,fromthehunterto theavailabilityofthemeatinstoresorrestaurants.Thestudyfocusesonexaminingthisprocess toidentifyareasofdeficiencythatcanbestreamlined,enablingmoreofthevenisonharvestedin Swedentoactuallyreachthemarket,asitiscurrentlyanunderutilizedresourcetoalargeextent. Method:Thisstudyemploysaqualitativeapproach,adoptingcriticalrealismasthescientific frameworkanddeductionastheresearchstrategy.Dataforthestudyiscollectedthrough interviews,utilizingacombinationofprimaryandsecondarysources.Theinterviewsare conductedwithapurposivesample,andtheanalysismethodemployedispatterncomparison. Thestudyadherestothecriteriaofcredibility,authenticity,andvaliditytoensurethereliability offindings,whilealsoaddressingethicalconsiderationsthroughouttheresearchprocess. Conclusion:Theprocessmapingofthevenisonchainleadstotheidentificationsofseveral obstacles.Firstly,thecompensationhuntersreceivewhensellingmeattovenisonhandling facilitiesisinsufficient,leadingthemtopreferretainingthemeatforpersonaluse.Secondly,the geographicaldistanceposeschallengesforbothhuntersandvenison-handlingfacilities, 2impactingtheiroperationsandoverallefficiency.Anothersignificanthindranceistheexisting legislationgoverningthehandlingofvenisonwhichaddscomplexitytotheprocess.Moreover, theuncertainavailabilityofvenisonfurthercompoundstheobstacleswithinthechain.To enhanceefficiency,reducingthenumberofintermediariesiscrucial.Additionally,minimizing thegeographicaldistancesbetweenstakeholderscanbeachievedthroughstrategiessuchas locatingdepotsclosertohunters.Lastly,implementingchangesinthelegalrequirements surroundingvenisoncancontributetoamoreefficientsupplychain.Byaddressingthese hindrances,thevenisonindustrycanoperatemoreeffectivelyandmorevenisonwouldreachthe endcostumer.

Venison is an important food item in the diet of the people of the United States. Deer is hunted both as sport and for food. Annually, nearly 180,000 hunters go afield in Utah in search of deer. Over 130,000 animals are killed which amounts to an annual harvest of over 15,000,000 pounds of dressed venison. This contributes about 10 1/2 million dollars to the economy of the state from licenses, lodgings, transportation, and other expenses of hunting. Venison as a whole has characteristic flavor and/or odor which is acceptable if mild, but some venison has an objectionable strong flavor. Because of the practical importance of the subject of venison flavor, this investigation has been undertaken to study the substances suspected of contributing to the flavor.

Millions of pounds of venison are harvested each year in the United States. Over 12,000,000 pounds of dressed venison are harvested during the regular season each year in the State of Utah. The hunters of venison contribute approximately 10 1/2 billion dollars to the economy of the state for licenses, lodging, transportation, and other expense of hunting. In many cases this source of meat is a significant part of the household meat supply. Venison is often wasted, however, because of its undesirable flavor. The lack of knowledge as to the causes of variation in venison flavor has prompted this study. Research into tho causes of variation in venison flavor can contribute significantly to the problems of undesirable flavors and waste by determining the cause and distribution of factors which are responsible for these variations. This primary basic information may aid the hunter in his selection of animals to harvest. Suggestions as to age, sex, season of harvest, and physical condition of the animal may be applicable.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The wildlife industry in Namibia continues to grow as the production and consumption of game meat increases. However, the health risks posed by the trade in wildlife and related by-products to livestock and humans have not been fully assessed. The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential health risks related to the increased consumption of game meat and relevant by-products by assessing the quality of game meat, as well as determine the role of game meat species in the transmission of zoonoses. The microbiological quality and safety of export game meat was assessed. No differences in the aerobic plate count (APC) were observed between the years (2009 and 2010), but the mean Enterobacteriaceae count was 1.33±0.69log10 cfu/cm2 compared to 2.93±1.50log10 cfu/cm2 between the years. Insignificant heterotrophic plate count (HPC) levels were detected in 9/23 field water samples, while faecal bacteria (coliforms, Clostridium perfringens and enterococci) were not isolated in all samples. Seven serogroups, with the exception of O26, were detected in exotic species. A white tailed deer sample had a serotype belonging to O45 which confirmed positive for stx1 gene. In springbok, 5/15 pools of faecal samples tested positive for the intimin gene. No Salmonella spp were isolated, and all E. coli isolates from the meat samples were negative for STEC virulence genes (i.e. stx1, stx2, eae and hlyA). A linear regression analysis was conducted on selected variables to identify the main predictors and their interactions affecting pH of meat 4 hours post-slaughter. In an increasing order of magnitude during winter time, the pH reached at 16-36hr post slaughter in springbok heart, liver, spleen, kidney and lungs was significantly higher than pH 6.0, while no significant differences were observed from the regulatory reference (pH 6.0) in the heart. There was a positive association between the pH of game meat 4hr post-slaughter, and liver congestion. The pH of game meat 4hr post slaughter, increased by 0.11 units per mL increase in liver congestion, and decreased by 0.04 units per minute increase in the shooting to bleeding interval, irrespective of the species. Worm eggs of strongylids, Strongyloides papillosus, Toxocara spp, Trichuris spp and coccidia were found in variable numbers in both springbok and gemsbok faeces, indicating a potential risk of transmission to other species in the ecosystem. On examination of carcasses, a novel parasite, Skjabinodera kuelzii, was identified and noted to be associated with inguinal fascia and renal fat, but the public health significance remains unclear. Nevertheless, S. kuelzii should be considered as of potential significance during routine game meat inspection. A total of 12 310 springbok were harvested from 26 commercial farms over a period of two years. Tissue samples (i.e. 60 livers, 41 kidneys and 52 hindquarter muscles) were collected from randomly selected healthy animals. The mean values (i.e. above the detection limit) of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were 0.10±0.05mg/kg and 1.04±0.21mg/kg in the liver, respectively; and 0.33±0.22mg/kg and 0.905±0.51mg/kg in the kidney of springbok, respectively. The levels of cadmium and lead in the hindquarter muscles were below the detection limit. Serum samples (n=1692) collected from sheep, goats and cattle from four presumably at-risk farms, and 900 springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) serum samples collected from 29 mixed farming units, were screened for Brucella antibodies by using the Rose-Bengal test (RBT). Positive cases were confirmed by complement fixation test (CFT). To assess the prevalence of human brucellosis, 137 abattoir employees were tested for Brucella antibodies using the standard tube agglutination test (STAT), and the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cattle and sheep from all four farms were negative by RBT and CFT, but two of the four farms carried 26/42 and 12/285 seropositive goats, respectively. Post mortem examination of seropositive goats revealed no gross pathological lesions. Culture for brucellae from organs of seropositive animals was negative. None of the wildlife sera tested positive by either RBT or CFT. Occurrence of confirmed brucellosis in humans was linked to the consumption of unpasteurized goat milk, home-made goat cheese and coffee with raw milk and prior contact with goats. All abattoir employees (n=137) tested negative by STAT, but 3 were positive by ELISA. The three abattoir workers were clinically normal, and lacked historical connections with clinical cases. This study illustrates the importance of microbiological, parasitic and residue monitoring as critical components of a hazard analysis and critical control point based system for game meat. The study also provides the basis for increased integrated health research, surveillance and meat safety risk analysis. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Namibiese wildbedryf raak toenemend groter soos die produksie en verbruik van wildsvleis toeneem. Die verwante gesondheidsrisiko’s wat die gebruik van wildsvleis en verwante produkte vir mens en dier inhou, is nog nie volledig geassesseer nie. Die doelwit van die studie was om ondersoek in te stel na die potensiële gesondheidsrisiko's wat wildsvleis en verwante neweprodukte vir mens en dier inhou deur middel van die assessering van vleisgehalte en die bepaling van die rol van die wildsvleis spesies in die oordrag van soönoses. Die mikrobiologiese gehalte en veiligheid van uitvoer wildsvleis was geassesseer. Geen verskille in die aerobiese plaat telling (APC) vir monsters versamel tydens 2009 en 2010 is aangeteken nie. Die gemiddelde Enterobacteriaceae telling was 1.33± 0.69log10 cfu/cm2 in vergelyking met 2.93±1.50log10 cfu/cm2 tussen die jare. Onbeduidende heterotrofe plaattelling (HPC) vlakke is waargeneem in 9/23 water monsters, terwyl fekale bakterieë (d.i. kolivorme, Clostridium perfringens en enterokokke) nie in enige van die monsters geïsoleerd is nie. Sewe serogroepe, met die uitsondering van O26, is aangeteken vir die eksotiese spesies. Monsters verky van ʼn white tailed deer is as positief vir 'n serotipe van O45 getoets, en die teenwoordigheid van die stx1 geen is bevestig. In springbok het 5/15 poele van fekale monsters positief getoets vir die intimien geen. Geen Salmonella spp is geïsoleer nie en alle E. coli geïsoleer in die vleismonsters was negatief vir die Stec virulensie geen (d.i. stx1, stx2, EAE en hlyA). ʼn Liniêre regressie-analise is op geselekteerde veranderlikes wat as die belangrikste indikators kan dien, en enige moontlike interaksie wat die pH van wildsvleis 4 uur na-slag kan beïnvloed, uitgevoer. In 'n toenemende orde van grootte gedurende die winter tyd, die pH teen 16-36hr na slagting in springbok hart, lewer, milt, niere en longe was aansienlik hoër as die pH 6.0, terwyl geen beduidende verskille waargeneem is wanneer dit met die regulasie verwysingswaarde van die hart (pH 6.0) vergelyk is nie. Daar was 'n positiewe assosiasie tussen die pH van wildsvleis 4 uur na-slag en mate van aansameling in die lewer. Die pH van wildsvleis 4 uur na-slag, het toegeneem met 0.11 eenhede per mL toename in lewer aansameling en afgeneem met 0.04 eenhede per minuut toename in die skiet tot uitbloei interval, ongeag die spesie. Wurmeiers van rondewurms, Strongyloides papillosus, Toxocara spp, Trichuris spp en koksidia het in verskillende ladings in die mis van beide springbok en gemsbok ontlasting, voorgekom. Dit dui op 'n potensiële risiko van oordrag na ander spesies in die ekosisteem. Die voorkoms van ʼn nuwe parasiet, Skjabinodera kuelzii, in wildskarkasse is aangeteken en was geassosieer met inguinale fascia en renale vet, maar die openbare gesondheidsrisiko bly onduidelik. Daar word aanbeveel dat dié parasiet as ʼn potensiële risiko faktor tydens roetine vleisinspeksies beskou moet word. ʼn Totaal van 12 310 springbokke is oor 'n tydperk van twee jaar van 26 kommersiële plase geoes. Weefselmonsters (d.i. 60 lewers, 41 niere en 52 agterkwart spiere) is ewekansig versamel van gesonde diere. Die gemiddelde waardes (d.i. hoër as die opsporingslimiet) van kadmium (Cd) en lood (Pb) was 0.10 ± 0.05mg/kg en 1.04 ± 0.21mg/kg in die lewer onderskeidelik en 0.33 ± 0.22mg/kg en 0.905 ± 0.51mg/kg in die niere van springbok, onderskeidelik. Die vlakke van kadmium en lood in die agterkwart spiere was laer as die opsporingslimiet. Serum monsters (n=1692) is van skape, bokke en beeste van vier vermoedelik hoë risiko plase en springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis, n=900) van 29 gemengde boerdery sisteme versamel en getoets vir die teenwoordigheid van Brucella teenliggaampies deur middel van die Rose-Bengal-toets (RBT). Positiewe gevalle is bevestig deur die komplement binding toets (CFT). Die voorkoms van menslike brusellose is bepaal deur 137 abattoir werknemers te toets vir Brucella teenliggaampies deur gebruik te maak van die standaard buis agglutinasie toets (STAT) en die ensiembinding immunosorberende toets (ELISA). Beeste en skape van die vier hoë risiko plase het negatief getoets met die RBT en CFT metodes, maar bokke van twee van die vier plase het seropositief getoets (26/42 en 12/285 onderskeidelik). Nadoodse ondersoek van seropositief bokke het geen patologiese letsels aangedui nie. Die kultuur van orgaanmonsters van seropositief diere vir Brucellae was negatief. Die monsters versamel van wild het negatief getoets deur middel van die RBT en CFT toets metodes. Die voorkoms van brusellose in mense in die studie was geassosieer met die gebruik van ongepasteuriseerde melk, tuisgemaakte bokmelkkaas en koffie met ongepasteuriseerde melk, asook direkte kontak met bokke. Alle abattoir werknemers (n=137) het negatief getoets met die STAT metode, maar drie werknemers het positief getoets met die ELISA metode. Die drie abattoir werkers was klinies normaal en het nie vorige kontak met bevestigde kliniese gevalle gehad nie. Hierdie studie bevestig die belang van mikrobiologiese, parasitiese en residu monitering as kritieke komponente van 'n gevaar-analise en kritiese kontrolepunt gebaseerde stelsel vir die produksie en verbruik van wildsvleis. Die studie verskaf ʼn basis vir toekomstige navorsing gefokus op ʼn geïntegreerde benadering van mens- en diergesondheid, monitering en vleis veiligheid risiko-analises.

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)

There is a need in the Eastern Cape Province to expand the market for fresh venison. This need is due in part to fluctuations in the export market and fragmentation of consumption in the food industry, which has led to an increased demand for specialised and customised products. A suitable method for addressing these issues and successfully marketing fresh venison in the Eastern Cape Province was required, and based on the findings of this study, niche marketing was found to be a possible marketing method to explore. This study evaluated how a strategy of niche marketing could be used to market fresh venison within the Eastern Cape Province. By analysing this main problem the research attempted to identify and understand the challenges of marketing fresh venison to the final consumer in the Eastern Cape Province and to determine whether niche marketing would be a viable option when taking into account venison’s unique characteristics. Niche marketing was characterised and discussed in the light of other marketing approaches and the most important elements of a successful niche marketing strategy were highlighted. The information resulting from scrutiny of all of these sub-problems was then used to address the challenge of marketing fresh venison to the final consumer. In-depth interviews were deemed most suitable for this study based on the nature of the topic and the depth of expertise of qualified personnel in the Eastern Cape Province fresh venison industry. Consequently, four interviews were conducted with experts in the field. Using the niche marketing concept and the strategy that drives it, namely differentiation, possible niche markets were identified. A strategy of multiple niching was adopted to address the differentiation opportunities available, based on the relevant specialist roles of fresh venison. These differentiation opportunities in turn lead to competitive advantage. Possible niche target markets identified and analysed included the tourist market, travellers (foreign and local) by air and sea, the organic aware market and the pet food market. Branding was found to be an integral element for the niche marketing of venison and is also discussed. The main problems hindering fresh venison marketing in the Eastern Cape Province were found to be consumers’ lack of knowledge of venison, cultural differences and consumer preferences, lack of a formal infrastructure and control, and a lack of accurate data. These challenges need to be addressed before fresh venison can be successfully marketed in the Eastern Cape Province. Research needs to be conducted on the venison industry and formal supply chains and control channels need to be implemented before a quality product in substantial and consistent quantities can be successfully marketed to the final consumer. Consumers and industry personnel must be educated about venison and its merits, and fresh venison must initially target white tablecloth restaurants and specialised delicatessens, where service is as important as the product itself.

Thesis (MScVoedselwet)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of age (adult, sub-adult and lamb), gender (male and female) and production region on the morphological characteristics of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis). In addition, the effects of the latter on the physical, chemical and sensory quality of the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were determined. Where applicable, correlations within the various physical and chemical attributes of the meat were verified in the experiments. The sensory ratings of the meat were correlated with the data on the physical and chemical attributes of the LD muscle, where applicable. The mean live mass of male and female adult springbok differed significantly (p < 0.05) and averaged 31.7 ± 0.70 and 28.3 ± 0.60 kg respectively. Gender had no significant effect on the mean live mass of the sub-adult category. The mean dressing percentage of the males (58.83 ± 0.53%) was noted to be significantly higher than that of the females (55.79 ± 0.50%). The lambs (58.98 ± 1.07%) had the highest dressing percentage of all the age categories. An increase in carcass measurements was noted with an increase in animal age. Gender did not have a significant (p > 0.05) effect on the carcass measurements. Inverse correlations were noted between pH24 and drip loss (r = -0.26, p < 0.01) and cooking loss (r = -0.42, p < 0.0001) of the LD muscle. It was noted that stressed animals had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher ultimate pH24 (6.30 ± 0.07), as observed in the meat originating from the Caledon region and this meat consequently had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower cooking loss (27.18 ± 0.62%) and drip loss (1.79 ± 0.08%). Meat shear force values ranged between 1.67 ± 0.05 and 2.67 ± 0.16 kg. 1.27 cm-1 diameter. Age-related effects on tenderness were found to be minor in comparison to pH24 effects. The females (3.13 ± 0.28%) were noted to have a significantly (p < 0.05) higher fat content than the males (1.35 ± 0.08%). The adult (2.45 ± 0.26%) and sub-adult (2.50 ± 0.28%) animals had a significantly higher fat content in comparison with the lambs (1.32 ± 0.11%). The protein content of the springbok meat originating from the four production regions varied between 18.80 ± 0.35 and 21.16 ± 0.51%. Gender had no significant effect on the protein content, except for the meat originating from Rustfontein Nature Reserve where the females had a significantly higher protein content. The two major amino acids noted for springbok LD muscle were glutamic and aspartic acid. Phosphorous was the predominant mineral, followed by potassium and calcium. Production region had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on both the amino acid and mineral content of the meat. The saturated fatty acid (SFA) content of the LD muscle contributed 38.40 to 42.69% of the total identified fatty acids. The poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (36.34 - 40.98%) of the meat was very close to this range, meaning that optimal polyunsaturated to saturated (P:S) ratios (0.96 - 1.18) were present. The effects of age and gender on the fatty acid composition were minor in comparison with regional effects. Warner-Bratzler Shear force (kg. 1.27 cm-1 diameter) values were inversely correlated with the following sensory attributes: tenderness (r = -0.70, p < 0.01), residual tissue (r = -0.68, p < 0.01) and sustained juiciness (r = -0.43, p < 0.05). Decreased acceptance of the meat was noted with an increase in ultimate pH (pH24) from 5.4 to 5.8. As the ultimate pH of the meat increased, the rankings for tenderness (r = -0.46, p < 0.05) and sustained juiciness (r = -0.54, p < 0.05) decreased significantly. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie ondersoek was om die invloed van ouderdom, geslag en produksie area op die morfologiese eienskappe van springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) te evalueer. Die effek van laasgenoemde faktore op die fisiese, chemiese en sensoriese kwaliteit van die M. longissimus dorsi (LD) is ook ondersoek. Korrelasies in die fisiese en chemiese eienskappe van die vleis is bestudeer. Die resultate van die sintuiglike evaluering van die vleis is gekorreleer met die fisiese en chemiese data van die LD spier, indien van toepassing. Die gemiddelde gewig van die manlike (31.7 ± 0.70 kg) en vroulike (28.2 ± 0.60 kg) diere het betekenisvol (p < 0.05) verskil. Geslag het geen betekenisvolle effek op die gemiddelde gewig van die sub-volwasse diere getoon nie. Die gemiddelde uitslag persentasie van die manlike diere (58.83 ± 0.53%) was betekenisvol (p < 0.05) hoër in vergelyking met die vroulike diere (55.79 ± 0.50%). Met ‘n toename in ouderdom is ‘n toename in karkas metings waargeneem. Geslag het geen effek op die karkas metings getoon nie. Negatiewe korrelasies is genoteer tussen die finale pH (pH24) en drupverlies (r = -0.26, p < 0.05) en tussen pH24 en kookverlies (r = -0.42, p < 0.0001) van die LD spier. Gestresde diere van die Caledon area het ‘n betekenisvolle (p < 0.05) hoër pH24 (6.30 ± 0.07) getoon en gevolglik ‘n laer (p < 0.05) kookverlies (27.18 ± 0.62%) en drupverlies (1.79 ± 0.08%). Die skeurkrag waardes van die LD spier het gewissel van 1.67 ± 0.05 tot 2.67 ± 0.16 kg. 1.27 cm-1 diameter. Die effek van ouderdom op taaiheid was klein in vergelyking met die effek van pH24. Die vroulike diere (3.13 ± 0.28%) het ‘n hoër (p < 0.05) vetinhoud as die manlike diere (1.35 ± 0.08%) getoon. Die volwasse (2.45 ± 0.26%) en sub-volwasse (2.50 ± 0.28%) diere se vetinhoud was hoër as die van die lammers (1.32 ± 0.11%). The proteininhoud het gewissel van 18.80 ± 0.35 tot 21.16 ± 0.51%. Geslag het geen effek (p > 0.05) getoon op die proteieninhoud, behalwe vir die vleis van die Rustfontein Natuur Reservaat. Glutamien en aspartien suur was kwantitatief die belangrikste aminosure. Fosfor was die belangrikste mineraal, gevolg deur kalium en kalsium. Produksie area het ‘n betekenisvolle (p < 0.05) effek op die aminosuur en mineraalinhoud getoon. Die versadigde vetsuur (SFA) inhoud het gewissel van 38.40 tot 42.69% van die totale geïdentifiseerde vetsure. Die poli-onversadigde vetsuur (PUFA) inhoud het gewissel van 36.34 tot 40.98% en daarom is optimale poli-onversadigde tot versadigde (P:S) verhoudings (0.96 - 1.18) genoteer. Die effek van ouderdom en geslag op die vetsuursamestelling was minimaal in vergelyking met die effek van produksie-area. Warner-Bratzler skeurkrag (kg. 1.27 cm-1 diameter) waardes was negatief gekorreleer met die volgende sensoriese eienskappe: taaiheid (r = -0.70, p < 0.01), residuweefsel (r = -0.68, p < 0.01) en volgehoue sappigheid (r = -0.43, p < 0.05). Daar is ‘n afname in die aanvaarbaarheid van die vleis waargeneem met ‘n toename in pH24 van 5.4 tot 5.8. Met ‘n toename in pH24, het die taaiheid (r = -0.46, p < 0.05) en volgehoue sappigheid (r = -0.54, p < 0.05) van die vleis afgeneem

Thesis (MSc Consumer Science)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Please see fulltext for abstract / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sien asb volteks vir opsomming

D. Tech. Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, 2012. / Implementation of existing meat hygiene legislation can be costly to the game farm owner in terms of slaughter facilities and human resources. This can consequently force farmers and processors to operate outside of the law when delivering game meat to the market. In answer to this a Game Meat Scheme was negotiated between Wildlife Ranching South Africa, represented by the researcher and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Nevertheless, the Game Meat Scheme only offers a 5 year period of grace for legal compliance for game farmers producing for the local meat market. Concerns of Wildlife Ranching South Africa on the implementation of such and other legal procedures on game farms motivated the comparative research on regulated and non-regulated game carcasses. Dependent and independent variables were researched to compare game carcasses intended for the export market (aspiring to strict requirements), and game carcasses intended for the local market (no control measures). The swabbing sampling technique used by the researcher was verified against the excision method (used by the export market). The results of this study have further led to a proposed innovation in the testing and verification of current legislation culminating in the Game Meat scheme and a new Game Meat Guide that could lead to the development of practical guidelines for the hunting process on the farm.