Article Abstract:
There is still very limited knowledge of the nutritional requirements of the white-tailed deer, even though this animal has been widely studied. Recent research has used balance trials and regression analysis to estimate nitrogen needs for maintenance and production in adult white-tailed deer, it already being known that severe restrictions in dietary protein limit antler development, particularly in young males. It was found that the use of balance trials to estimate nitrogen requirements is not fully accurate, especially as animals can achieve nitrogen balance over a wide range of nitrogen intake. Further research is required in this area.
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Article Abstract:
Research shows that protein availability is important in the development of antlers in white-tailed deer, but the effects of the seasonal nature of protein restriction has not been measured. An experiment designed to examine the effect of a 12-week protein restriction on antler growth and deer performance is presented. The study suggests that protein restrictions had little effect on antler mass, antler spread and body mass because the deer were able to compensate for protein restriction with a period of realimentation.
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Article Abstract:
The use of creatinine ratios to assess nutritional restriction and dietary quality is a standard practice. This is also used to assess northern ungulates' responses to changes in nutrition. Findings show that urea N:creatinine and potassium: creatinine have the greatest potential in reflecting nutritional alternations. Margin of error is also greatly reduced by increasing the sampling fraction.
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