[Evaluation of the meat quality of game]

The carcasses of 140 roe deer, 129 wild boars, 81 red deer and 55 fallow deer were examined to determine meat quality with respect to the influence of typical hunting situations. After hunting, many carcasses had not been cooled, which significantly influenced meat-quality parameters. The pH-value, detected electrochemically, gave the most reliable results out of all the meat-quality parameters investigated. Determination of the pH-value with regard to the pH indexes ascertained for different points of measurement and types of game is helpful in properly judging the substantial quality of venison. Determination of electrical conductivity and water-holding capacity (Q) can be helpful in judging meat quality. The value of residual-blood content in judging substantial venison quality is, however, doubtful. The measurement of rapid glycolysis and the evaluation of rigor mortis are not appropriate for determining the substantial quality of venison.