Hand-rearing and care of a group of roe-deer

Abstract

A description is given of methods and course of hand-rearing a group of roe-deer, Capreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758). The purpose of the study was to obtain a social group of roe-deer which would differ from their wild fellows only in respect of the human element having been incorporated into its com position. In order to achieve the formation of a social bond between keeper and roe-deer it was necessary: (a) to obtain the animals at an early age for rearing, (b) for the keeper actively to participate in operations of a social nature (with the exception of play among fawns). In order to provide complete satisfaction of all the animals' requirements they were allocated 21,34 ha of wooded land with tree stands varying in age. The maximum number of roe-deer in this area was six. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods of dealing with the group of roe-deer are discussed and their suitability for scientific studies assessed.[Forest Res. Inst., Section of Nature Protection, 17-230 Białowieża, Poland], .• .-;• INTRODUCTIONOne of the conditions for defining the role of wild herbivorous animals in the ecosystem is to obtain a good knowledge of their behaviour. The importance of this problem is shown by the extremely large number of publications in this field which appear every year. Studies on behaviour are usually carried out by means of two methods: (1) by observations of wild animals living in freedom and (2) making use of tame animals. The method of observations of wild animals is widely used, particularly in areas with good visibility (steppes, savannah, tundra, hill slopes), in which large herds live or in cases in which the animals are not timid. Observations are made from a vehicle, or while walking, of the behaviour of all animals or selected individuals within the field of vision. The use for such studies of tame animals is particularly suitable in the case of timid species living in small groups, inhabiting densely vegetated areas or those difficult of access. Tests and observations of tame animals are usually carried out in small enclosures in which the animals are dependent on human care. They are less often kept in large enclosed areas 1207]

Growth and development of hand reared fallow deer fawns

“…are popular in parks and for hunting, biological details of this speciesare not too well known. The taming of animals eases the carrying out of experiments and in some instances is necessary (Reichert, 1972;Kossak, 1981). Relatively little work has been done on hand rearing fallow deer (Wayre, 1970;Moore & Cowie, 1980(81).…”

Development of food habits in roe-deer

“…After a certain time test eating of plants which were not found in their food cease, while species consumed by younger fawns and later avoided, are still tested by them for a certain time. Contrary to the imprinting which occurs in roe-deer (Kossak, 1981) the roe-deer's remembering plants "suitable for" or "not suitable for" consumption most certainly is not a single or final act. All changes in the food supply and in the organism's need for a given food involve changes in the species compositions of the roe-deer's diet.…”

“…It may be that these plants contain certain substances of use to the young animals for normal development during the first period of life. The correctness of the above assumption is borne out by the transitional consumption by fawns of soil and sand, and also the faeces of adult individuals, for the purpose of activating the alimentary tract and introducing microorganisms facilitating normal digestion (Bubenik, 1965;Espmark, 1969;Kossak, 1981).…”

“…The fawns were artificially fed on full cow's milk and powdered milk. Both the daily doses of milk and length of the whole feeding period depended on the animals' individual requirements (Kossak, 1981). The fawns were not given any additional food apart from milk.…”

Toetsingskader domesticatie : dertig zoogdiersoorten beoordeeld

“…Er zijn geen betrouwbare bronnen gevonden waarin gerichte, consistente selectie op voor de mens nuttige kenmerken en eigenschappen is beschreven, waardoor genetisch verankerde veranderingen zijn ontstaan waarmee exemplaren uit deze gehouden populatie zich in gedrag, morfologie, fysiologie en reproductie aantoonbaar onderscheiden van het oorspronkelijke niet gehouden wildtype. Reeën worden wel getemd of gehabitueerd aan mensen (Kossak 1981;Monestier et al 2017;Wallach et al 2007).…”