Nutrient Requirements for Growth and Antler Development in the White-Tailed Deer

French, C. E.; McEwen, Lowell C.; Magruder, N. D.; Ingram, R. H.; Swift, R. W.

doi:10.2307/3796954

Cited by 142 publications

(87 citation statements)

References 3 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Massive starvation can occur during snowy winters, as has already been observed at the study site (Potvin et al 1981). Crude protein requirements for maintenance of yearling or adult white-tailed deer have been estimated at 7±8% (French et al 1956), 5±6% (Holter et al 1979) or 4±5% (Asleson et al 1996). These ®gures are consistent with the 6% need proposed by Schwartz et al (1988) for maintenance of moose, but lower than the 10% requirement proposed by Short (1981) for blacktailed deer.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 82%

Food choice by white-tailed deer in relation to protein and energy content of the diet: a field experiment

et al. 1998

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Optimality models of food selection by herbivores assume that individuals are capable of assessing forage value, either directly through the currency used in the model or indirectly through other variables correlated with the currency. Although energy and protein are the two currencies most often used, controversy exists regarding their respective influence on food choice. Part of the debate is due to the difficulty of teasing apart these two nutrients, which are closely correlated in most natural forages. Here we offer a test of the assumption that energy and protein contents of the forage are both currencies that large mammalian herbivores can use when selecting their food. We observed feeding behavior of 47 wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileusvirginianus) during winter while individuals were presented with four experimental foods representing two levels of energy and protein (dry matter digestibility: 40-50%; crude protein: 12-16%). Using experimental foods allowed us to separate the influences of energy and protein and clearly distinguish between the roles of these two nutrients. Deer discriminated between foods through partial selection, and selected diets higher in energy but lower in protein. The observed choices appeared consistent with physiological needs of deer wintering at the study site, where digestible energy was in short supply in the natural environment while protein was probably not. Results are in good agreement with recent findings on domesticated ruminants. They support a basic assumption of optimality models of food selection that use energy and/or protein as a currency, although the physiological mechanisms behind the food selection process remain unclear. We urge students of food selection by herbivores to replicate our experiment with other foods and/or in other circumstances before more general conclusions are drawn.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 82%

Food choice by white-tailed deer in relation to protein and energy content of the diet: a field experiment

et al. 1998

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Antler development reflects the body condition and nutritional status of male cervids (Severinghaus et al, 1950;French, 1956;Cowen and Long, 1962;Hyvarinen et al, 1977). Because antler growth requires protein, nutrients, and energy, and these resources are allocated to antler development only after requirements for body growth and maintenance have been met (Goss, 1983), antler characteristics have been used to assess the health and habitat condition of elk populations (McCorquodale et al, 1989).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The brittleness of the antlers is characteristic of a problem with the structure or composition of the bone (Martin, 1991). Although overall forage quality is important for antler development, bone fragility has been specifically associated with mineral imbalances (French, 1956;Underwood, 1977;Gogan et al, 1988;Bleich, 1990;Robbins, 1993). Minerals related to the growth and development of antlers and bones are calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and phosphorus (P) (Robbins, 1993;Puls, 1994).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Minerals related to the growth and development of antlers and bones are calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and phosphorus (P) (Robbins, 1993;Puls, 1994). In cervids, deficiencies of these minerals can reduce antler growth and strength, and result in bone abnormalities, bone fractures, poor bone mineralization, osteoporosis, and rickets (French, 1956;Franzmann et al, 1975;Gogan et al, 1988;Puls, 1994). When Ca, Cu, or P is not sufficient in an animal's diet, a primary (or simple) deficiency is produced.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Mineral Deficiencies in Tule Elk, Owens Valley, California

Johnson

Bleich

Krausman

2007

Journal of Wildlife Diseases

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ABSTRACT:Male tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) are susceptible to high rates of antler breakage in Owens Valley, California. We hypothesized that a mineral deficiency in the diet predisposed male elk to antler breakage. We analyzed elk antler, liver, and forage samples to identify mineral imbalances. We compared the mineral content of livers and antlers from elk in Owens Valley to samples taken from tule elk at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, a population experiencing normal rates (,5%) of antler breakage. Antler and liver samples were collected from 1989 to 1993, and in 2002, and were tested for calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn). Mineral levels from antler and liver samples were compared to reference values established for elk and deer. We also compared the mineral content of elk forage in Owens Valley, collected in 2002-03, to dietary reference values established for cattle. In antlers, Ca, Fe, and Mg levels were higher in Owens Valley elk than in Grizzly Island elk, although all mineral levels were lower than reference values established for deer antlers. In liver samples, Cu levels from elk in Owens Valley were lower than those from Grizzly Island and lower than minimum reference values; liver Ca and Mo levels were higher in elk from Owens Valley than in those from Grizzly Island. Compared to reference values, elk forage in Owens Valley had high levels of Ca and Mo, and low levels of Cu, P, and Zn. Mineral analyses from antlers, livers, and forage suggest that tule elk in the Owens Valley are Cu and/or P deficient. High levels of Mo and Ca may exacerbate Cu and P deficiencies, respectively. Bone fragility is a symptom of both deficiencies, and an imbalance in Cu, P, or a combination of both, may predispose male tule elk in the Owens Valley to antler breakage.

show abstract

“…Ovis aries (30) Thomson's gazelle Gazella thomsofli (20) Chinese water deer Hydropotes inermis (12) Steinbok Raphicerus campestris (10) …”

Section: Maasai Sheepmentioning

confidence: 99%

The digestive physiology of wild ruminants

Kay¹,

Engelhardt²,

White³

1980

Digestive Physiology and Metabolism in Ruminants

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Nutrient Requirements for Growth and Antler Development in the White-Tailed Deer

Cited by 142 publications

References 3 publications

Food choice by white-tailed deer in relation to protein and energy content of the diet: a field experiment

Food choice by white-tailed deer in relation to protein and energy content of the diet: a field experiment

Mineral Deficiencies in Tule Elk, Owens Valley, California

The digestive physiology of wild ruminants

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About