Nutrient selection by fallow deer (Dama dama) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Nutrient selection by fallow deer (Dama dama) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Nutrient selection by fallow and roe deer was investigated both in the natural environment (southern Hampshire, UK) and experimentally (deer parks). Diet composition (faecal analysis), availability and quality (nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus content) were measured for both species of deer, which are classified as different types of feeders. Diet selection in the natural habitat was investigated by combining these measures. Feeding trials were performed to test the discriminatory abilities of the deer based upon diets of different protein content.
The plant species present in the diet of both species of deer were found to depend on habitat, although the quantities eaten did not depend on availability. Seasonal variation in the intake of plant species was explained mainly by the life cycles of the ingested plants. Seasonal variation was also evident in the nutrient concentrations of ingested plants. Nitrogen, magnesium potassium and phosphorus peaked in concentration in late spring/summer, whereas the opposite pattern was found for calcium. Deciduous plants were found to have the greatest seasonal variation in comparison to evergreen species, due to differences in life cycles. Nutrient concentrations also differed between sites which might be explained by site differences in soil chemistry.
Diet selection in the natural environment was apparent from comparisons of amounts eaten to availability of the plant species. Selection was more evident in summer than winter and by roe more than fallow deer. The plants eaten in the highest proportions in the winter were also the most available at that time. These plants contained sufficient nutrients to meet the requirements of the deer, suggesting that in winter diets were not nutrient deficient. In summer more diverse plant species were eaten but the diets taken were deficient in crude protein and calcium, particularly for the female deer. This is the period of parturition and lactation, when nutrient requirements are at their highest.
University of Southampton
Benge, Sarah E
09aaa773-eec8-447e-b347-6e765549d05a
2002
Benge, Sarah E
09aaa773-eec8-447e-b347-6e765549d05a
Benge, Sarah E
(2002)
Nutrient selection by fallow deer (Dama dama) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
Nutrient selection by fallow and roe deer was investigated both in the natural environment (southern Hampshire, UK) and experimentally (deer parks). Diet composition (faecal analysis), availability and quality (nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus content) were measured for both species of deer, which are classified as different types of feeders. Diet selection in the natural habitat was investigated by combining these measures. Feeding trials were performed to test the discriminatory abilities of the deer based upon diets of different protein content.
The plant species present in the diet of both species of deer were found to depend on habitat, although the quantities eaten did not depend on availability. Seasonal variation in the intake of plant species was explained mainly by the life cycles of the ingested plants. Seasonal variation was also evident in the nutrient concentrations of ingested plants. Nitrogen, magnesium potassium and phosphorus peaked in concentration in late spring/summer, whereas the opposite pattern was found for calcium. Deciduous plants were found to have the greatest seasonal variation in comparison to evergreen species, due to differences in life cycles. Nutrient concentrations also differed between sites which might be explained by site differences in soil chemistry.
Diet selection in the natural environment was apparent from comparisons of amounts eaten to availability of the plant species. Selection was more evident in summer than winter and by roe more than fallow deer. The plants eaten in the highest proportions in the winter were also the most available at that time. These plants contained sufficient nutrients to meet the requirements of the deer, suggesting that in winter diets were not nutrient deficient. In summer more diverse plant species were eaten but the diets taken were deficient in crude protein and calcium, particularly for the female deer. This is the period of parturition and lactation, when nutrient requirements are at their highest.
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Published date: 2002
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Local EPrints ID: 464743
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/464743
PURE UUID: c9c3f357-bbcf-4d9b-9d23-512c5adf6a6e
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Date deposited: 04 Jul 2022 23:59
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 19:43
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Author:
Sarah E Benge
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