EFFECTS OF BIRTH DATE AND BODY-MASS AT BIRTH ON ADULT BODY-MASS OF MALE WHITE-TAILED DEER

We examined relationships of birth date and body mass at birth with bo dy mass at mature ages (greater than or equal to 1.5 years) of captive , male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Birth date was not associated with body mass at birth (P = 0.862) and had no effect on bo dy mass at the 1.5-, 2.0-, and 2.5-year age classes (P greater than or equal to 0.379). Males with greater body mass at birth added more bod y mass between birth and the 1.5-year age class (P < 0.001) and had gr eater body mass at the 1.5-, 2.0-, and 2.5-year age classes (P < 0.001 ). Body mass of male white-tailed deer at birth may influence body mas s at mature ages.