Regional Copper Deficiency in White-Tailed Deer  

作　　者：Seth T. Rankins Randy W. DeYoung Aaron M. Foley Alfonso Ortega-S. Timothy E. Fulbright David G. Hewitt Clayton D. Hilton Landon R. Schofield Tyler A. Campbell Seth T. Rankins;Randy W. DeYoung;Aaron M. Foley;Alfonso Ortega-S.;Timothy E. Fulbright;David G. Hewitt;Clayton D. Hilton;Landon R. Schofield;Tyler A. Campbell(Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, USA;Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, USA;East Foundation, Kingsville, USA;East Foundation, San Antonio, USA)

机构地区：[1]Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, USA [2]Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, USA [3]East Foundation, Kingsville, USA [4]East Foundation, San Antonio, USA

出　　处：《Open Journal of Ecology》2023年第1期9-21,共13页生态学期刊（英文）

摘　　要：Minerals are critical in maintaining health and physiological function in wildlife. Geographic variation in soil and forage mineral concentration may predispose wildlife to mineral imbalances, where a common symptom is restricted somatic growth. We investigated if mineral imbalances could explain localized differences in morphology of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) occurring in geographically proximate sites with similar management, climate, and habitat. We collected serum samples and morphological measurements from free-ranging white-tailed deer captured during 2011-2019 from coastal and inland rangeland sites in South Texas, USA. We measured mineral concentrations in serum from captured deer at each location. Asymptotic deer body mass and antler size averaged 8% - 20% smaller for deer at the coastal compared to the inland site. The proportion of deer with deficient levels of serum copper was greater at the coastal site (66% versus 14%). Our results suggest regional mineral deficiencies in deer may limit antler and body development. Wildlife managers should be aware of all aspects of wildlife nutrition and the importance of considering nutrients beyond energy and protein.Minerals are critical in maintaining health and physiological function in wildlife. Geographic variation in soil and forage mineral concentration may predispose wildlife to mineral imbalances, where a common symptom is restricted somatic growth. We investigated if mineral imbalances could explain localized differences in morphology of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) occurring in geographically proximate sites with similar management, climate, and habitat. We collected serum samples and morphological measurements from free-ranging white-tailed deer captured during 2011-2019 from coastal and inland rangeland sites in South Texas, USA. We measured mineral concentrations in serum from captured deer at each location. Asymptotic deer body mass and antler size averaged 8% - 20% smaller for deer at the coastal compared to the inland site. The proportion of deer with deficient levels of serum copper was greater at the coastal site (66% versus 14%). Our results suggest regional mineral deficiencies in deer may limit antler and body development. Wildlife managers should be aware of all aspects of wildlife nutrition and the importance of considering nutrients beyond energy and protein.

关 键 词：COPPER MINERALS NUTRITION UNGULATES SERUM White-Tailed Deer 

分 类 号：Q14[生物学—生态学]