Effects of diet supplementation on antler growth in deer
1993
Biagioli, O. | Funghi, R. | Ponzetta, M.P. | Viliani, M. (Florence Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Scienze Zootecniche)
The possibility of increasing antler growing through adequate feed supplementation in conditions of semiextensive farming was assessed. Two groups of male deers aged from about 18 to 20 months, with similar live weight and antler development, underwent different feeding conditions. The control group (8 animals) fed by browsing and was given a limited amount of maize grain. The test group (9 animals) fed by browsing supplemented with 1.8 kg/head/d of pellets with a medium-high protein content, rich in Ca and P. At the beginning of the trial the animals were weighed and the antlers measured. At the end of the trial, at 27 months of age, all the animals were again weighed and the antlers measured in accordance with C.I.C. rules. Subsequently the antlers were removed and weighed to determine specific gravity and chemical composition. Results evidenced a sensibly greater development both of body and antler weight in the test group. In particular variance analysis showed significant differences between body weight, antler weight and antler length. Allometric regression of antler weight and length on body weight were also calculated
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