Lipid quality, oxidative stability and elemental composition of musculus biceps femoris of red deer (Cervus elaphus): effects of wild and farmed production systems

Authors

  • Adriana Pavelková Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Institute of Food Sciences, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia, Tel.: +421376414313 , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra image/svg+xml Author
  • Matúš Rajský Institute of Nutrition, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, National Agricultural and Food Centre, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia, Tel.: +421376546557 , National Agricultural and Food Centre image/svg+xml Author
  • Ondrej Bučko Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia, Tel.: +421376414802 , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra image/svg+xml Author
  • Peter Haščík Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Institute of Food Sciences, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia, Tel.: +421376414708 , Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra image/svg+xml Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5219/scifood.124

Keywords:

red deer, venison, fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation, mineral composition, production system

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of production system on the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, lipid quality indices, oxidative stability, and elemental composition of musculus biceps femoris of red deer (Cervus elaphus). The study was conducted as a comparative observational assessment of animals originating from hunting areas and farm breeding systems. Proximate composition was similar between groups, with protein content ranging from 23.07 to 23.44 g/100 g and intramuscular fat remaining low (0.65–0.78 g/100 g), confirming the lean character of venison. In contrast, differences were observed in lipid composition, as meat from farmed animals contained higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (18.48 vs. 15.85%) and n-6 fatty acids (14.75 vs. 12.85%). These differences were reflected in lipid quality indices, particularly in a lower thrombogenic index in farmed animals. Lipid oxidation increased progressively during storage, with malondialdehyde values rising from approximately 0.16–0.19 mg/kg after 1 month to 0.72–0.86 mg/kg after 12 months. After prolonged storage, meat from wild animals showed higher levels of oxidation. Mineral composition was generally stable, with differences detected only for magnesium (0.236 vs. 0.209 g/kg) and copper (2.295 vs. 1.647 mg/kg). Heavy metal concentrations were very low and remained below established safety limits. Overall, the production system had little effect on basic composition but influenced lipid profile and oxidative stability. These findings confirm the nutritional value of venison and highlight the importance of feeding conditions and storage in determining its quality.

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2026-05-11

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Vol. 20 (2026): Scifood

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Copyright (c) 2026 Adriana Pavelková, Matúš Rajský, Ondrej Bučko, Peter Haščík (Author)

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How to Cite

Lipid quality, oxidative stability and elemental composition of musculus biceps femoris of red deer (Cervus elaphus): effects of wild and farmed production systems. (2026). Scifood, 20(1), 486-501. https://doi.org/10.5219/scifood.124

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