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

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.