Larry W. Varner

Apparent Mineral Absorption by White-tailed Deer

Two completely randomized design studies were conducted from May 1986 through June 1987 with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to determine seasonal mineral absorption patterns of guajillo (Acacia berlandieri) and a pelleted diet. The pelleted diet contained 0.56% phosphorus (P), 2.57% calcium (Ca), 0.31% magnesium (Mg), 2.25% sodium (Na), 1.63% potassium (K), 9.6 ppm copper (Cu), 45.0 ppm zinc (Zn), and 314.8 ppm iron (Fe). Calcium and P from the pelleted diet were absorbed in a 2:1 ratio. There were no seasonal differences in mineral absorption of the pelleted diet. The data...

Seasonal Changes In Nutritive Value Of Deer Food Plants In South Texas

Twenty-six native forage species were collected during each season of the year on the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area in the central portion of the Texas Rio Grande Plam and analyzed for percentage content of crude protein (CP), phosphorus (P) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD). Average values for all species during spring. summer. fall and winter were: CP 18.4, 15.4, 16.6 and 17.1; P 0.23, 0.18, 0.19 and 0.19 DMD 61.7, 56.2. 53.3 and 61.1. Average CP of shrubs and forbs was 14 or greater during all seasons of the year, grasses varied from 12.5 in summer to 14.4 in winter, and...

Factors Affecting Hematological Values Of White-Tailed Deer In South Texas

Blood samples from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus texanus) were taken in three locations in south Texas to establish metabolic profiles and nutritional status and to determine the correlations of body condition, location, season, sex, age, reproductive status, stress and hemolysis with hematological values for this species. The parameters we measured included glucose, prorein, albumin, globulin, AIG ratio, creatinine, cholesterol, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, uric acid, urea (BUN), total lipids, free fatty acids, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, serum...