Breeding of calamian deer (Axis calamianensis) in captivity
1987
Villamor, C.I. (Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, College, Laguna (Philippines). Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife Research Div.)
Under the conditions at Los Banos, Laguna [Philippines], the Calamian deer (Axis calamianensis) known to be endemic only in the Calamianes group of Islands, was reared and bred in captivity. Various aspects related to reproduction of Calamian deer were investigated. From an initial breeding stock of 3 females and 1 male Calamian deer, 9 single births were obtained from Apr 1984 to January 1987 with birth weights averaging 1.32 +- 0.26 kg. On the average, male fawns were heavier at birth than female fawns (1.52 kg vs. 1.08 kg). Gestation period lasted from 222 +- 1.07 days. Mating and parturition were observed to occur year round. A doe was observed to be in first estrus at 1 year and 3 months. Limited data suggests on estrus cycle length of 17-18 days with a period of sexual receptivity lasting for 20-25 hours, during which a buck can render 7 to 9 services. Courtship, parturition and early maternal and neonatal behavior in Calamian deer are also discussed.
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