CHARACTERIZATION OF BODY AND VELVET ANTLER GROWTH IN FARMED WAPITI (CERVUS-ELAPHUS)

The objectives were to study antler and body growth using mathematical models and determine the predictability of antler production. The Ric hards and Two-phase models fitted the body weight vs, age and antler w eight vs, age data equally well (R-2 > 95%). Based on Richards', wapit i grew and matured more slowly than cattle. Velvet growth peaked at 7 yr and stags produced 7.8 kg, achieving 91% of their lifetime capacity . Velvet in year 2 depended on the previous years production and stag age (R-2 = 86%).