Effects of Early Weaning on Survival and Growth of Captive White-tailed Deer
Thirty-seven white-tailed deer fawns (Odocoileus virginianus) born during summer and autumn 1993 were used to study effects of early weaning on survival and growth. Fawns at birth (date recorded) were weighed (kg), measured (cm), and tagged for identification. Fawns were randomly assigned to early weaned (treatment) or control groups at 60 days of age. Treatment animals were separated from their dams at this time, and control animals remained with their dams until 6 months of age. Both groups were fed a pelleted ration containing a medium protein level (11.6%). Study animals were sedated,...
