Abomasal Parasitism and Physical Condition in Southeastern White-Tailed Deer
The relationship between abomasal parasitism and physical condition was studied in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Southeast. On both an individual animal and herd basis, the level of abomasal parasitism was inversely related to physical condition. Differences (P ≤ 0.05) in physical condition were noted among herds in each of 3 abomasal parasite count (APC) categories (namely, <500, 500-1,500, >1,500). The relationship between abomasal parasitism and herd physical condition was not cause and effect; rather, both parameters were reflective of the status of deer...
