Reproductive performance of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) in New Zealand: III. Risk factors for yearling hind conception

A 2-year longitudinal observational study of 15 red-deer farms was carried out in New Zealand from March 1992. Seven hundred yearling hinds were indiv idually monitored for reproductive success. After mating, hinds were pregna ncy tested by ultrasound and were classified as having conceived before 1 M ay, after 1 May, or as being not pregnant. Risk factors potentially affecti ng the probability of conception before I May or of conception that year we re investigated using path analysis. To increase the probability of conceiv ing early, this study suggests yearling hinds should be selected prior to m ating for high bodyweight and height. Young stags and hinds should be joine d late summer (14 months of age) before mating. Mobs of yearling kinds shou ld not be combined with large mobs of adult hinds. Paddocks with limited gu llies, hills and trees should be chosen for mating. Finally, paddocks for m ating should be away from human disturbance. To increase the probability of yearling hinds conceiving that year, yearling hinds should be in moderate- to-low body condition (around 2.5), and nutrition during mating should be p rioritised to ensure optimal growth rates. Short and/or Lightweight hinds m ay be mated successfully if they are well fed but they generally conceive l ater. Trees should be limited in the mating paddocks. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.