Major-histocompatibility-complex-associated variation in secondary sexual traits of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus): Evidence for good-genes advertisement

Good-gene hypotheses predict that development of secondary sexual character s can be an honest advertisement of heritable male quality. We explored thi s hypothesis using a cervid model (adult, male white-tailed deer, Odocoileu s virginianus) to determine whether antler development could provide an hon est signal of a male's genetic quality and condition to adversaries. We com pared antler, morphometric. hormonal, and parasitic data collected from hun ter-harvested deer to characteristics of the Mhc-DRB (Odvi), the most widel y studied gene of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in Artiodactyl a. We detected associations between genetic characteristics at Odvi-DRB and antler development and body mass, suggesting that antler development and b ody mass may be associated with pathogen resistance in deer and thus may be an honest signal of genetic quality. We also detected associations between Odvi-DRB characteristics and serum testosterone during the breeding season , suggesting that certain MI-IC characteristics may help deer cope with str esses related to breeding activity. In addition, we observed a negative rel ationship between degree of antler development and overall abundance of abo masal helminths. Our observations provide support for the hypothesis that a ntler development in white-tailed deer is an honest signal of quality.