Ma. Asleson et al., NITROGEN REQUIREMENTS FOR ANTLER GROWTH AND MAINTENANCE IN WHITE-TAILED DEER, The Journal of wildlife management, 60(4), 1996, pp. 744-752
Data describing nitrogen (N) requirements for maintenance and producti
on in adult male cervids are limited. We used balance trials (n = 72)
and regression analysis to estimate N requirements for maintenance and
production (i.e., antler development) in adult (>2-yr-old) white-tail
ed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Nitrogen deposition in antlers was e
stimated and included in balance calculations. Minimal maintenance and
average growth requirements (+/- 2 SE) for N during the antler growth
period (Apr-Aug) were 0.61 (+/- 0.16) and 1.06 (+/- 0.15) g N/kg(0.75
)/day, respectively. At intake rates observed in this study, these req
uirements are equivalent to erude protein requirements of 5.8 and 9.9%
for maintenance and growth, respectively. Minimal maintenance and ave
rage growth requirements for N during winter (Oct-Feb) were 0.37 (+/-
0.33) and 0.92 (+/- 0.30) g N/kg(0.75)/day, respectively. At intake ra
tes observed in this study, these requirements are equivalent to erude
protein requirements of 4.1 and 10.1% for maintenance and growth, res
pectively. We discuss shortcomings of balance trials to measure N requ
irements, such as the need to quantify all sources of N loss.