Physical condition of red deer in a high density population

• Autorzy: Dzieciolowski R. , Babinska-Werka J. , Wasilewski M. , Goszczynski J.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Physical condition in a living at high density (120 individuals/1000 ha of forest area) red deer Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758 population was studied by determining: dressed body weight, kidney fat index (KFI) and amount of visceral fat in 628 animals. Antler weights were also considered as condition index of stags. The mean body weight of calves of both sexes was identical, ie 38.0 kg, that of hinds fluctuated from 57.8 to 75.1 kg, stags - from 63.2 to 132.4 kg depending upon age. The KFI value for female and male calves, hinds, and stags at various age amounted respectively to: 1.54, 1 36, 1.60-1.76, and 1.17-2.69. Per cent of individuals with great amount of visceral fat amounted: in female calves - to 39.4, in male calves - 33.3, in hinds - 47.6-66.7, and in stags — 20.0-100.0% depending upon age. Maximum weight of antlers was 4.2 kg. Despite high population density animals indicated generally good physical condition. Except that the condition of calves of both sexes has been maintained at a similar level, what evidenced an inferior condition of males during their growth. Males in contrast to females, reveal serious decline of condition following the rut, during autumn and winter. It was related to stag age and most marked in the animals of the oldest age-classes (no less than by 40%). Factors affecting the condition of red deer in their population from the Słowiński National Park were discussed.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

red deer; Cervus elaphus; kidney fat index; body weight; physical condition; visceral fat; seasonal change; deer

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Theriologica
• Rocznik: 1996
• Tom: 41
• Numer: 1
• Opis fizyczny: p.93-105,fig.

Twórcy

autor

Dzieciolowski R.

• Agricultural University SGGW, Rakowiecka 26-30, 02-528 Warsaw, Poland

autor

Babinska-Werka J.

autor

Wasilewski M.

autor

Goszczynski J.

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