Starving and Refeeding Mule Deer

deCalesta, David S.; Nagy, Julius G.; Bailey, James A.

doi:10.2307/3800224

Cited by 42 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…However, feeding did not decrease the percent of total mortalities attributed to malnourishment. Generally the average duration of winter malnourishment (30–60 days) depends on not only the severity and duration of the conditions, but also on the initial condition of the deer and of the winter habitat (deCalesta et al 1975, Wallmo et al 1977, Anderson 1981, DelGiudice et al 1990, Olson and Lewis 1994). This strongly suggests that there may be other factors involved in the malnourishment, such as timing of severe conditions and seasonal micronutrient deficiencies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The differing effects of feeding programs on mule deer appear to be an artifact of site‐specific conditions (Doenier et al 1997, Smith 2001, Tarr and Pekins 2002, Peterson and Messmer 2007). Site‐specific factors may include placement, type, and number of feed stations used (Schmitz 1990), nutritional content of supplements (Doman and Rasmussen 1944, Schoonveld et al 1974, DelGiudice et al 2000, Ouellet et al 2001), and timely implementation of feeding (deCalesta et al 1975). Given these site‐specific variables, the long‐term effects of feeding programs on deer populations may be determined only through site‐specific monitoring over time (Doenier et al 1997).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Biological consequences of winter‐feeding of mule deer in developed landscapes in Northern Utah

Peterson

Messmer

2011

Wildlife Society Bulletin

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Winter-feeding of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in developed landscapes is often advocated by stakeholders to compensate for lost or fragmented winter range. However the reported benefits of winterfeeding mule deer to increase survival and productivity in altered landscapes are mixed. Few studies have examined the long-term effects of winter-feeding on mule deer productivity. We studied the effects of a winter-feeding program conducted in a developed landscape in northern Utah, USA from 2001 to 2006 on the productivity, survival, and mortality of 92 adult female deer (does) that were captured and radiocollared on 4 feed and 4 nonfeed sites. We also evaluated the potential for feeding programs to impact winter-range habitat quality through increased browse utilization. Fawn production (P ¼ 0.36), and survival (P ¼ 0.12) did not differ for fed and nonfed does. Deer-vehicle collisions were the primary cause of mortality for radiocollared deer in both populations (P ¼ 0.97). Utilization of desired browse species was higher on sites where deer were fed (P 0.001), although deer numbers were similar at feed and nonfeed sites. When developing big game winter-feeding policies for developed landscapes, managers must consider the full range of long-term potential population and habitat impacts to include increased anthropogenic-related mortality and increased potential for habitat degradation prior to policy implementation. ß 2011 The Wildlife Society.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

Biological consequences of winter‐feeding of mule deer in developed landscapes in Northern Utah

Peterson

Messmer

2011

Wildlife Society Bulletin

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“…Animals in suitable post-mortem condition were histologically evaluated in our study to assess nutritional status. The severe weather (cold, wind, precipitation) common in this area of the Arctic creates high metabolic demands (Kistner et al, 1980) that, combined with malnutrition, may cause death before total exhaustion of fat reserves (Cheatum, 1949;deCalesta et al, 1975). Beginning in late October 1994, a series of severe winter storms with high winds, freezing rain, and snow moved through northwestern Alaska at the rate of one per week until early January.…”

Section: Body Condition (Bc)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of Heavy Metals in a Large Mortality Event in Caribou of Northern Alaska

O’Hara¹,

George²,

Blake³

et al. 2003

ARCTIC

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ABSTRACT. We measured element concentrations (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe) and body condition (gross and histologic endpoints) of animals from a caribou (Rangifer tarandus) mortality event that occurred in Alaska, in the area of Point Hope and Cape Thompson (including the Chariot site), in 1995. These were compared to results from hunter-killed caribou from reference sites (Barrow and Teshekpuk Lake, Alaska) and from the area of a mine (Red Dog Mine) to determine whether heavy metals had played a role in the mortality event or whether any elements were at concentrations of concern for human consumers. Starvation and malnutrition were major factors leading to death or severe weakness, as very little or no fat (very low body condition scores) and serous atrophy of fat (observed as watery contents of the marrow cavity, with no apparent fat, and histologically) were more prevalent in caribou associated with the mortality event than in hunter-killed animals from reference sites. Accumulation of hepatic (liver) hemosiderin in Kupffer cells (macrophages) was noted as an indicator of cachexia. Concentrations of lead in feces and liver, copper in the rumen contents, and arsenic in muscle were higher in caribou harvested near Red Dog Mine, as might be expected in that mineral-rich area, but were not at levels of concern for toxicoses. Kidney concentrations of cadmium, which increased significantly with increasing age, present a potential concern for human consumers, and this is an expected finding. We concluded that caribou had starved and that heavy metals had played no role in the mortality event. Further investigation of regional mineral differences is required to understand the sources and transport mechanisms that explain these findings and to properly address mining activity. Mortality events on the north slope of Alaska are common and likely involve starvation as described here, but in most cases they are not investigated, even though recent industrial activities have heightened concern among some local residents and wildlife managers.Key words: Alaska, caribou, heavy metals, Rangifer tarandus, starvation RÉSUMÉ. On a mesuré la concentration en éléments (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe) et l'état corporel (points limites bruts et histologiques) de caribous (Rangifer tarandus) prélevés lors d'un épisode de mortalité qui s'est produit en 1995 en Alaska, dans la région de Point Hope et de Cape Thompson (y compris le site Chariot). On a comparé ces résultats à ceux de caribous tués par des chasseurs à des emplacements témoins (Barrow et Teshekpuk Lake, en Alaska) et à proximité d'une mine (Red Dog Mine) pour trouver si les métaux lourds avaient joué un rôle dans l'épisode de mortalité ou si la concentration d'un ou plusieurs éléments pouvait constituer un risque pour la consommation humaine. La famine et la malnutrition étaient des facteurs majeurs ayant causé la mort ou une extrême faiblesse, vu que la présence minime ou l'absence de graisse (très basses notes d'état corporel) et une atrophie séreuse de la graisse (observée sous fo...

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“…At 10 and 20 days of starvation, the percentages of initial weight predicted by the above equation correspond closely with percentages calculated from the data of DeCalesta et al (1975) for mule deer fawns in excellent condition starved during winter (i.e., 90.7 vs. 9 1.9 and 79.9 vs. 83.8 % of initial weight, respectively). At 30 days of starvation, eq.…”

Section: Composition Of Weight Lostmentioning

confidence: 74%

Body composition changes in white-tailed deer fawns during winter

Watkins¹,

Witham²,

Ullrey³

1992

Can. J. Zool.

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1992. Body composition changes in white-tailed deer fawns during winter. Can. J. Zool. 70: 1409-1416. Sixteen white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns were captured near Chicago, Illinois, between November and April, and their body composition was determined, to investigate changes in body composition and chemical component distribution as they catabolized tissues over the winter. Live weights of the fawns ranged from 16.8 to 41.6 kg (31.1 f 2.0), and ether-extractable fat concentration of the bled, ingesta-free body ranged from 2.3 to 48.9% (24.5 f 4.7) on a dry basis. Carcass, viscera, and hide contained, on average, 70, 21, and 9 % of the bled, whole body fat, respectively. Above approximately 15% whole body fat (dry basis), the percentages of whole body fat contributed by the viscera and carcass increased and decreased, respectively. Body composition (blood-, ingesta-, and fat-free basis) averaged 72% water, 23% crude protein, and 5 % ash; ash and phosphorus concentrations increased and protein concentration decreased over the winter. Sodium concentration tended to decrease. Based on relationships between chemical components and body weight, the composition of weight lost during winter was calculated to range from 12% water, 84% fat, 4 % protein, and 0.5% ash during early winter to 73 % water, 0.3 % fat, 25 % protein, and 2 % ash during early spring. Calculated metabolizable energy derived from tissue catabolism was a quadratic function of body weight and ranged from 7.7 to 1.1 Mcallkg of bled, ingesta-free weight loss during early and late periods. WATKINS, B. E., WITHAM, J. H., et ULLREY, D. E. 1992. Body composition changes in white-tailed deer fawns during winter. Can. J. Zool. 70 : 1409-1416. Seize faons du Cerf de Virginie (Odocoileus virginianus) ont Ct C captures prks de Chicago, Illinois, entre novembre et avril; les variations de leur composition corporelle et de la rdpartition de leurs composantes chimiques ont ete evaluCes au cours de l'hiver, pendant le catabolisme des tissus. La masse des faons vivants s'echelonnait entre 16,8 et 41,6 kg (3 1,l f 2,O) et la concentration de graisses solubles dans l'ether chez les faons saignes et vides de leurs ingesta se situait entre 2,3 et 48,9%(24,5 f 4,7) de la masse skche. La carcasse, les visckres et la peau contenaient, en moyenne 70, 2 1 et 9%, respectivement, de toutes les graisses contenues dans le corps saignC. Au-dessus d'une valeur d'environ 15% des graisses totales (masse skche), le pourcentage des graisses contenu dans les visckres augmentait et le pourcentage des graisses contenu dans la carcasse diminuait. La composition du corps (corps vidC du sang, de la graisse et des contenus visceraux) etait d'environ 72% d'eau, 23 % de protCines brutes et 5 % de cendre; les concentrations de cendre et de phosphore augmentaient et la concentration de proteines diminuait au cours de l'hiver. La concentration de sodium avait tendance a diminuer. D'aprks les relations entre les composantes chimiques et la masse corporelle, la composition de la masse p...

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Starving and Refeeding Mule Deer

Cited by 42 publications

References 15 publications

Biological consequences of winter‐feeding of mule deer in developed landscapes in Northern Utah

Biological consequences of winter‐feeding of mule deer in developed landscapes in Northern Utah

Investigation of Heavy Metals in a Large Mortality Event in Caribou of Northern Alaska

Body composition changes in white-tailed deer fawns during winter

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