Measuring Cottonseed Hull Passage by White-Tailed Deer

Abstract

Results and Discussion Cottonseed hull fragments were identified in feces collected for the first 14 of 17 days after ingestion of 1 g cottonseed hulls by each of 4 adult male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Acclimation periods for deer forage evaluation trials should extend at least 14 days prior to food item evaluations to ensure passage of previously consumed fibrous plant materials. The percentage of fecal groups containing CSH fragments was highest on Day I, declined irregularly by gradually thereafter, and CSH fragments persisted in fecal groups through day I4 (Fig. 1). No fragments were found in samples collected on days 15-17; therefore, fecal groups collected on days 18-21 were not examined.