Title: The effect of orphaning on physical development of white-tailed deer fawns.
Year: 1987
Abstract: A total of 32 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virainianuS) fawns was captured, fitted with telemetry equipment, and released in southern Texas during October and November of 1984 and 1985. Data from both years were combined for analysis. Three fawns were lost due to capturerelated mortality. Fifteen of the remaining 29 fawns were orphaned during 1-8 November. Based on a median parturition date of 28 July, the median age of the fawns at orphaning was 114 days. Surviving animals were collected 1 year after their initial capture. Physical variable values measured at 1 year post-capture were adjusted using equivalent values measured at time of capture as covariates. Antler development and dressed and live weights of the 14 males were not affected by orphaning. Dressed weight of the 4 orphaned females (X-62.6 lbs) was lower (P=0.08) than the 5 control females (X=72.4 lbs). During the year following their capture, less weight was gained (P=0.14) by the orphaned females (X=43.0 lbs) compared to the control females (X=54.2 lbs). However the orphaning effect on females was confounded because 2 of 4 orphaned females bred as fawns while none of the controls bred. Stress associated with lactation could account for the lower dressed weight and weight gain of orphaned females.
