GENETIC DETERMINATION OF CERVID ANTLERS IN RELATION TO THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IN SOCIAL INTERACTIONS

Antler traits (length of the main beam, circumference of the main beam , coronet circumference, and the number of antler points) in roe deer Capreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758) from a population in Casentino (N orthern Tuscany) were examined for associations with genotypes at loci coding for enzymes. Significant associations were found only in yearl ings. Individuals homozygous for the allele Mpi(120) had significantly larger antlers than carriers of other genotypes at Mpi. Individuals h omozygous for Pep-2(100) had significantly smaller antlers than carrie rs of other genotypes at Pep-2. In adults the results were essentially the same, but only as a statistically insignificant trend. The data w ere interpreted in terms of one or more genetic components having a ma jor influence on antler development only in yearlings. This correspond s with behavioural data suggesting that in adults antler size is not r elated to reproductive success, but in yearlings it is correlated with sexual maturity and the rate of being expelled from the home range of their mothers by territory holders. The situation in the roe deer was compared with previous results on the genetics of antler development in the red deer, where males are social rather than solitary, yearling s do not participate in reproduction, and some antler characteristics are related to reproductive success of adult stags.