Effects of Seasonal Castration on Elk Deer Venison Quality

Deer meat quality and carcass weight vary during breeding season and may be influenced by castration timing.We investigated the effect of castration time using elk deer (Cervus canadensis) castrated at four times (n = 3/group).Weight changes during the breeding season (September-October) varied among the groups (T1 > T2 > T3 > T4), with a sharp decline (-23.30kg) for T4.Fat percentage significantly differed among the groups (P < 0.05), with lower levels measured in T4.Crude fat percentage was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T1-T3 than in T4, with no significant difference (P < 0.05) in crude protein percentages.The highest mineral concentrations corresponded to K > P > Na > Mg; the lowest concentrations to Cu, Ca, Fe, and Zn.Similar patterns were observed in Mg, Na, and P concentrations among the groups.Shear force in T4 compared with that in T1-T3 was significantly higher.Thus, castration improved venison quality and reduced carcass weight loss regardless of the breeding season, but did not improve other features.We anticipate that these findings will contribute to the development of optimal management strategies for deer, leading to increased production and quality of the meat.Further, interest in deer farming, wildlife conservation, and preservation of the genetic diversity of elk deer species may be promoted.