PUTATIVE CHEMICAL SIGNALS FROM WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS-VIRGINIANUS) - SOCIAL AND SEASONAL EFFECTS ON URINARY VOLATILE EXCRETION IN MALES

Urine samples collected from dominant and subordinate male white-taile d deer during the breeding and nonbreeding season were analyzed by com bined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Fifty-five volatil es were found in measurable quantities. Ketones were most numerous, fo llowed by alcohols and alkanes. Nine compounds were common to both dom inants and subordinates during the breeding season. Of these nine, thr ee were present in higher concentrations in dominants, and six were hi gher in subordinates. During the breeding season, nine compounds were found exclusively in the urine of dominants, whereas 19 compounds were found exclusively in the urine of subordinates. Concentrations of sev eral compounds were dependent on the time of year (breeding vs, nonbre eding season). Differences in compound presence and concentration may produce a rank-specific odor, although we suggest that differing conce ntrations of these suites of compounds may be more important for the i dentification of social status than the presence of individual compoun ds. Since mature male white-tailed deer urinate on their tarsal glands frequently during the breeding season, this behavior may allow a deer to simultaneously scent-mark its environment and carry intraspecific cues indicative of social status.