EFFECTS OF STOCKING DENSITY ON THE BEHAVIOR AND GROWTH OF FARMED RED DEER HINDS

The aim of this experiment was to measure the effects of stocking dens ity on the social behaviour, activity patterns and growth rates of yea rling red deer hinds reared at pasture. Twenty individuals were assign ed to two groups of 10 in a latin square design. During period 1 (28 d ays), group 1 was kept at a low stocking density (LD: 37 animals/ha) a nd group 2 at a high stocking density (HD: 150 animals/ha). During per iod 2 (28 days) the groups were switched and tested at the other stock ing density. Aggressive encounters (kicks, bites and butts) and vigila nce postures were more frequent at HD than at LD. There was no differe nce between the two densities in the total time spent grazing pel day, but the hinds at HD had shorter and more frequent meals than the hind s at LD. The synchronisation of grazing was also lower at HD than at L D. The hinds grew faster at LD than at HD. The effects of stocking den sity on growth and sating behaviour were more severe for subordinate t han for dominant hinds. in conclusion, high stocking density induced a social stress that affected grazing patterns and growth rates, especi ally in subordinate individuals. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.