Relationships between rank-related behaviour, antler cycle timing and antler growth in deer: behavioural aspects

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 303 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Bartoš ◽  
G. A. Bubenik
Keyword(s):  
Red Deer ◽  
Dominance Rank ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Antler Growth ◽  
Antler Size ◽  
Antler Cycle ◽  
Agonistic Activity ◽  
Higher Rank ◽  
Behavioural Aspects ◽  
The Relationship

In this review we offer a synthesis of a 30-year-long investigation focussed on the relationship between dominance rank-related behaviour and the timing and growth of antlers in deer. Our studies related primarily to red and fallow deer. We present evidence to suggest that dominance-related behaviour in male deer is strong enough to influence both antler cycle timing and antler growth. In a study on captive red deer we observed that the males of higher rank cast their antlers first and also tended to shed the velvet earlier. In a subsequent series of studies on the same species we found evidence that social position and related agonistic activity of males during the period of antler growth influence antler size and branching. Changes in behaviour related to rank modified antler growth. For example, fallow deer bucks gaining higher rank through fighting other bucks exhibited enhanced growth of that part of the antler that was growing at that particular time. That substantially altered the entire antler growth. Understanding the relationship between rank, agonistic behaviour and hormone levels is crucial for the interpretation of previous results that showed a link between dominance rank and antler growth in deer.

Integrity of a Red Deer Stag Group During the Velvet Period, Association of Individuals and Timing of Antler Cleaning

Behaviour ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 95 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 314-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaclav Perner ◽  
Ludek Bartos
Keyword(s):  
Red Deer ◽  
Dominance Hierarchy ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Agonistic Behaviour ◽  
Dominance Index ◽  
Antler Growth ◽  
Apparent Relationship ◽  
Antler Cycle ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractPrevious studies on a "white" red deer herd at Zehušice, Czechoslovakia showed that a stag's antler casting and cleaning dates were related to his rank in the dominance hierarchy. The relationship was less apparent with antler cleaning than with casting. It was suggested that this is a consequence of disintegration of the bachelor group during the period of antler growth. A group of 14 individually recognised stags in a 1.26 km2 enclosure were observed 77 times between March 15th and August 22nd 1983. The number of stag groups, the distribution of stags into groups and the number of solitary stags was recorded on each occasion. For each observation the "relative dominance index" (RDI, rank position within a group divided by the number of stags in the group) was calculated for each individual. Correlation coefficients between antler cleaning dates and summed RDI values were calculated. As in previous seasons, and in contrast to the period preceding antler casting, the bachelor group disintegrated during the velvet period. As antler cleaning approached the stags tended to disperse into more groups and separate from other deer. The stags associated with others of similar rank and age. There was a close association between summed RDI values for individual stags for the last two weeks of the velvet period and dates of antler cleaning. Among pairs of stags which were closest associates during this period, the higher ranking stag always cleaned earlier. It is concluded that the disintegration of the bachelor group in the period before antler cleaning may be the major factor which causes a less apparent relationship between rank and the date of antler cleaning than between rank and date of antler casting. It is suggested that these two points in the antler cycle are regulated by hormones modulated by agonistic behaviour related to rank.

scholarly journals Relationship between plasma cortisol level and bodyweight and antler size in farmed fallow deer

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-361
Author(s):  
K. Dziki-Michalska ◽  
K. Tajchman ◽  
S. Kowalik ◽  
M. Bogdaszewski
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Cortisol Level ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Plasma Cortisol Level ◽  
Antler Growth ◽  
Antler Size ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between the plasma cortisol level and bodyweight and antler size in farmed male fallow deer (Dama dama) of various ages. The study involved 33 animals divided into three age groups: one year old, three years old, and older. Their bodyweight was measured and blood samples were taken twice a year during antler growth (May) and before the rut (September). Whole antlers were collected in September to measure their length and weight. The plasma cortisol concentration was determined with an immunoenzymatic method. The correlations between cortisol level and bodyweight were significant and positive in both May and September (P ≤0.05). There was a negative correlation between weight gain and change in cortisol levels (P ≤0.05). Thus, fallow deer with large seasonal changes in cortisol gained less weight from May to September. The results of the present study indicated that calmer animals with lower cortisol fluctuations should be selected for breeding, which would contribute to greater stability of weight gain.

Plasma LH and testosterone responses to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in adult red deer (Cervus elaphus) stags during the annual antler cycle

1988 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. F. Fennessy ◽  
J. M. Suttie ◽  
S. F. Crosbie ◽  
I. D. Corson ◽  
H. J. Elgar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Red Deer ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Sexual Cycle ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Antler Growth ◽  
Velvet Antler ◽  
Antler Cycle ◽  
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone

ABSTRACT Eight adult red deer stags were given an i.v. injection of synthetic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on seven occasions at various stages of the antler cycle, namely hard antler in late winter, casting, mid-velvet growth, full velvet growth, antler cleaning and hard antler both during the rut and in mid-winter. The stags were allocated at random on each occasion to one of four doses, i.e. 1, 3, 10 or 95 μg GnRH. Blood samples were taken before GnRH injection and for up to 2 h after injection. Pituitary and testicular responses were recorded in terms of plasma LH and testosterone concentrations. There was an increase in plasma concentration of LH after the GnRH injection in all stags at all stages of the antler cycle. Dose-dependent responses of LH to GnRH in terms of area under the curve were apparent at all stages of the antler cycle. The lowest responses were recorded at casting, during velvet antler growth and at the rut sampling. The pattern of testosterone response reflected the inter-relationship of the antler and sexual cycles with very low testosterone responses occurring at casting and during velvet antler growth. The responses were higher at antler cleaning and then increased to a maximum at the rut before declining to reach their nadir at casting. The results are consistent with a hypothesis that the antler cycle, as a male secondary sexual characteristic, is closely linked to the sexual cycle and its timing is controlled by reproductive hormones. Low plasma concentrations of testosterone, even after LH stimulation, are consistent with the hypothesis that testosterone is unnecessary as an antler growth stimulant during growth. J. Endocr. (1988) 117, 35–41

scholarly journals Glycolytic potential and ultimate muscle pH values in red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama)

Rangifer ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Wiklund ◽  
Timothy R. Manley ◽  
Roger P. Littlejohn
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Muscle Glycogen ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Glycogen Content ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Dama Dama ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Total Glucose ◽  
The Relationship

The ultimate pH value of meat (measured at approx. 24 hours post slaughter) gives information about the technological quality, i.e. shelf life, colour, water-holding properties and tenderness and is a direct consequence of muscle glycogen (energy) levels at slaughter. It may therefore also indicate whether or not the animal has been exposed to stressful energy depleting events prior to slaughter. In the present study, 141 animals (130 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 11 fallow deer (Dama dama) were included to investigate the relationship between ultimate pH and residual glycogen concentration in red deer and fallow deer M. longissimus. In addition, the muscle glycogen content and ultimate pH values in three red deer muscles (Mm. triceps brachii, longissimus and biceps femoris) were studied. M. triceps brachii had higher ultimate pH and lower glycogen content compared with the other two studied muscles. The frequency of intermediate DFD (5.8≤ pH<6.2) was 5.4% in red deer M. longissimus, compared with 9.1% in fallow deer, while the frequency of DFD (pH≥ 6.2) was much lower in red deer (3.8%) than in fallow deer (54.5%). A curvilinear relationship between ultimate pH and total glucose concentration (glycogen and glucose) 30 min post slaughter in red deer and fallow deer M. longissimus was found. The relationship between muscle pH and lactic acid concentration however, was indicated to be linear. A significant variation in total glucose concentration at ultimate pH below 5.80 was observed, including values in the range from 18 to 123 mmol/kg wet tissue. It was concluded that further studies are needed to further explore the relationship between muscle glycogen content and technological and sensory quality attributes of meat from different deer species.Abstract in Swedish / Sammanfattning:Köttets pH-värde (mätt ca 24 timmar efter slakt) har stor betydelse för den teknologiska kvaliteten som t. ex. hållbarhet, färg, vattenhållande förmåga och mörhet. Glykogenförrådet (energinivån) i djurens muskulatur vid slakt är helt avgörande för köttets slutliga pH-värde. Därför kan pH-värdet också indikera om hanteringen av slaktdjur varit skonsam eller om stora mängder muskelenergi har förbrukats vid stress. I vår undersökning ingick 141 hjortar (130 kronhjortar (Cervus elaphus) och 11 dovhjortar (Dama dama) för att studera sambandet mellan köttets pH-värde och glykogeninnehållet i M. longissimus. Glykogeninnehåll och pH-värden i 3 muskler från kronhjort (Mm. triceps brachii, longissimus och biceps femoris) undersöktes också. M. triceps brachii hade högre pH-värde och lägre glykogeninnehåll jämfört med de två andra musklerna. Det var inte så stor skillnad i frekvensen av intermediär DFD (pH-värden mellan 5,8 og 6,2) mellan de två hjortarterna (5,4% för kronhjort och 9,1% för dovhjort), däremot var frekvensen av DFD (pH-värden över 6,2) mycket låg hos kronhjort (3,8%) jämfört med dovhjort (54,5%). Det fanns ett kurvlinjärt samband mellan slutligt pH-värde i köttet och total glukoskoncentration (glykogen + glukos) mätt i M. longissimus 30 min efter slakt för både kron- och dovhjort. Ett linjärt samband mellan pH-värde och koncentration av mjölksyra i M. longissimus kunde också visas. Vi fann en mycket stor varitation i glukoskoncentration (18−123 mmol/kg våtvikt) när köttets pH-värdet var 5,8 eller lägre. Det behövs fler undersökningar för att vidare klargöra sambanden mellan glykogeninnehåll i muskulaturen och teknologisk och sensorisk kvalitet i olika typer av hjortkött.

Response of antler growth to changing rank of fallow deer buck during the velvet period

1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (11) ◽  
pp. 1934-1939 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Bartoš ◽  
S. Losos
Keyword(s):  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Dama Dama ◽  
Average Rank ◽  
Antler Growth ◽  
Higher Rank

We examined how strongly any change in rank of a male fallow deer (Dama dama) during antler growth affected the pattern of development of his antlers. Rank was determined from victories in fights with other bucks and summarized as "dominance success," recorded at specific, well-defined stages of antler growth. We tested whether the size attained by various parts of the antler is more closely related to dominance success of the buck during their development than to average success over the whole velvet period. To test this hypothesis, 10 fallow deer bucks aged 4 years were observed throughout the velvet period. After the velvet was shed, the antlers were measured. Most of the measured characteristics of the antlers reflected dominance success during the time that they were developing rather than the average rank over the whole period of antler growth. Thus, changes in behaviour related to rank modified antler growth. Bucks gaining higher rank through fighting more bucks exhibited enhanced growth of that part of the antler that was just developing. This changed if the buck lost his position.

Nutrition of antler growth in deer

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (6) ◽  
pp. 962 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. McL. Dryden
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Under Nutrition ◽  
Feeding Programs ◽  
Antler Growth ◽  
Velvet Antler ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Antler Size ◽  
Antler Cycle ◽  
Calcium And Phosphorus

Stags are susceptible to the effects of nutrition at several stages during their lives and during the antler cycle. Nutrition during the in utero, post-natal (suckling) and yearling stages influences the size of spike antlers, and, generally, there is a close relationship between bodyweight and antler weight in stags aged up to 5 years. While antler size is not greatly affected by nutrition during the growth of immature (velvet) antler, it is influenced by body size and condition at casting, i.e. at the beginning of new antler growth. Antler growth appears to have a high priority for nutrients, especially energy, protein and calcium. Antler growth in adult stags is little affected by diet protein concentrations over 7%, but supplements of protected protein or methionine may improve antler growth. Substantial amounts of calcium and phosphorus are sequestered in antlers as they become mineralised, and calcium is withdrawn from the skeleton in support of this. Feeding programs to obtain good antler growth involve recognising the periods when juvenile stags are susceptible to under-nutrition, and providing sufficient nutrients to re-establish adequate body condition in adult stags between the end of the rut and antler casting.

Early animal husbandry

1976 ◽  
Vol 275 (936) ◽  
pp. 85-97 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Red Deer ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Human Behaviour ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
Food Staples ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Degree Of Overlap ◽  
Individual Human ◽  
Selective Pattern

Prehistoric man-animal relationships can be studied from both a zoological and an archaeological viewpoint. Despite the considerable degree of overlap between the approaches the interests of the two disciplines are substantially different. It is important that archaeology should develop hypotheses concerned primarily with human behaviour. Animal husbandry can be viewed as a group of close relationships between man and animals, in which man derives benefit from a dependable and efficient exploitation. Such relationships are not necessarily confined either to the modern farmyard domesticates or to the Holocene period. It is to be expected that the exploitation of species which provided food staples was regulated so as to favour the success of both species involved in the relationship. Reindeer, red deer, fallow deer, and gazelle were successfully exploited for long periods, in certain cases many millennia. The data at some sites suggest that individual human groups may have been dependent upon particular herds or populations of animals on a year-round basis. The slaughter patterns, where they are known, show a selective pattern of exploitation as opposed to a random kill. These Pleistocene economies illustrate the difficulty of accommodating archaeological data successfully to the zoological wild/domestic classification. A more appropriate classification for archaeological purposes will be concerned with variations in human behaviour rather than in animal morphology. Such a classification may as usefully indicate the continuities in human and animal behaviour, as concentrate exclusively on a single dramatic change.

scholarly journals Selectivity of harvesting differs between local and foreign roe deer hunters: trophy stalkers have the first shot at the right place

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 632-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atle Mysterud ◽  
Piotr Tryjanowski ◽  
Marek Panek
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Evolutionary Processes ◽  
Antler Size ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Relationship

Harvesting represents a major source of mortality in many deer populations. The extent to which harvesting is selective for specific traits is important in order to understand contemporary evolutionary processes. In addition, since such data are frequently used in life-history studies, it is important to know the pattern of selectivity as a source of bias. Recently, it was demonstrated that different hunting methods were selected for different weights in red deer ( Cervus elaphus ), but little insight was offered into why this occurs. In this study, we show that foreign trophy stalkers select for larger antlers when hunting roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus ) than local hunters, but that close to half of the difference in selectivity was due to foreigners hunting earlier in the season and in locations with larger males. The relationship between antler size and age was nevertheless fairly similar based on whether deer was shot by foreign or local hunters.

scholarly journals The dark ventral patch: A bimodal flexible trait related to male competition in red deer

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0241374
Author(s):  
Juan Carranza ◽  
Eva de la Peña ◽  
Concha Mateos ◽  
Javier Pérez-González ◽  
Susana Alarcos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Intrasexual Competition ◽  
Bimodal Distribution ◽  
Male Competition ◽  
Antler Size ◽  
Ventral Area ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Trait Size

Sexual signals play a central role in male-male competition in polygynous species. In red deer (Cervus elaphus), male’s ventral area become dark during the rutting season due to urine spraying behaviour and retains many chemical compounds potentially revealing individual features. Here we investigate the variation in size of this trait, exploring its relationship with age and male competitive features such as antlers or body size, as well as populational level of intrasexual competition for mates. We found that the size of the dark ventral patch followed a clearly bimodal distribution, i.e. males mostly expressed the full-size trait or just developed a very small one. For these two groups of males according to trait expression, the relationships of trait size with age and antler size differed. Populational level of intrasexual competition appeared to affect the relationship between antler size and the probability of a fully developed ventral patch. These results indicate that the trait encodes information on body size, antler size, age and populational level of mate competition, thus suggesting a role in signalling male’s competitive features and willingness to allocate reproductive effort within a particular season.

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