REPRODUCTIVE STUDIES ON CAPTIVE WHITE-TAILED DEER - FOREST AND WILDLIFE RES CENTER

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
135	0830	1060	100%

Progress 07/01/91 to 12/31/06

Outputs
The effectiveness of selective harvest management programs depends on differential reproductive success. We used genetic techniques to study breeding success in wild deer populations. Overall, mature bucks (>3 years old) sired the majority of fawns (70 %) in populations with reasonable age structure and sex ratios. However, a large number of different bucks were breeding, including many young bucks. The breeding success of individual bucks was limited. Further, there were no clear correlates between antler or body size and reproductive success (DeYoung et al. 2006). These findings have important ramifications for management of white-tailed deer. Effectiveness of selective harvest strategies aimed at improving population antler size may be limited. Lack of older-aged males available for harvest can limit management success because antler size increases with age (Strickland and Demarais 2000). Antler-based restrictions designed to protect young, male deer and increase harvest of older males are prevalent. We quantified effects of Mississippi's statewide antler regulation (<4 points protected from harvest) on age composition of the harvest, harvest rate, and antler size. Relative composition of harvest shifted from predominantly 1.5-year males prior to the regulation (59%) to predominantly older males (42% 2.5- and 41% ≥3.5-year males) after the regulation. However, this change in percentages was due primarily to a reduction in harvest of 1.5-year males. Yearling males protected from harvest were not incorporated as older males in subsequent harvests. Antler size within age classes generally declined during the post-regulation period across the range of soil physiographic regions. For these cases, gross Boone and Crockett scores decreased 5-9 inches for 2.5-year males and 10-17 inches for 3.5-year males. We conclude that Mississippi's 4-point antler regulation has decreased antler development of older males on numerous public hunting areas in Mississippi (Demarais et al. 2006). Protection of yearling males did not result in equivalent increases in harvest of older males. Antler restrictions should be considered a short-term solution to age-structure problems because of the potential negative biological effects. Literature Cited Demarais, S, B Strickland, L Castle. 2006. Antler regulation effects on white-tailed deer on Mississippi public hunting areas. Proceedings Southeastern Association Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 59:1-9 DeYoung, R. W., K. L. Gee, S. Demarais, R. L. Honeycutt, and R. A. Gonzales. 2006. Patterns of Long-term Reproductive Success in Male and Female White-tailed Deer. 6th International Deer Biology Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, August 7-11, 2006. Abstract

Impacts
Selective harvest is a significant tool for management of white-tailed deer throughout the United States. The effectiveness of selective harvest programs depends on differential reproductive success and ultimate antler development of surviving bucks. We have found that a large number of males are involved in reproduction, and reproductive success is not correlated with antler size, so effectiveness of strategies aimed at improving population antler size may be limited (DeYoung et al. 2006). Additionally, our documentation of the negative impacts of the statewide, antler-based harvest restriction (Demarais et al. 2006) has led to a dramatic proposal to revise statewide regulations during the 2007 legislature.

Publications

Demarais, S., B. Strickland, and L. Castle. 2006. Antler regulation effects on white-tailed deer on Mississippi public hunting areas. Proceedings Southeastern Association Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 59:1-9
DeYoung, R. W., S. Demarais, R. L. Honeycutt, K. L. Gee, and R. A. Gonzales. 2006. Social dominance and male breeding success in captive white-tailed deer. Wildlife Society Bulletin 34(1):131-136.
DeYoung, R. W., K. L. Gee, S. Demarais, R. L. Honeycutt, and R. A. Gonzales. 2006. Patterns of Long-term Reproductive Success in Male and Female White-tailed Deer. 6th International Deer Biology Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, August 7-11, 2006. Abstract

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Antler restrictions, intended to protect younger, male white-tailed deer from harvest and increase harvest of older bucks, are prevalent throughout the Southeast. The statewide regulation initiated in 1995 in Mississippi protects bucks with less than four antler points. We quantified the effect of the regulation on age composition, harvest rate, and antler size by analyzing harvest data collected prior to (1991-1994) and after (1997-2001) the regulation was initiated on 22 public areas encompassing 240,000 ha. Relative composition of harvest shifted (P less than 0.001) from 59 percent 1.5-year males to 83 percent 2.5 and 3.5 year and older males, primarily due to a reduction in harvest of 1.5-year males. Harvest rate of 2.5-year males did not change, and there was only a small increase (P less than 0.05) in harvest of 3.5 year and older males. Total harvest decreased (P less than 0.01) from 3.1 to 1.8 males per 405 ha. Antler size within age classes generally declined during the post-regulation period across the range of soil resource regions. Antler restrictions should be considered a short-term solution to age-structure problems because of the potential negative biological effects. Long-term solutions should focus on teaching hunters benefits of an older male age structure.

Impacts
Selective harvest to promote survival and subsequent breeding of males with high-quality antlers is practiced throughout the United States, but little is known about the reproductive impact of these animals or their ultimate antler expression. Our preliminary results published in the 2001 showing that antler restrictions as practiced in Mississippi led to the first significant changes in antler regulations since 1995. More recent results (Demarais et al. 2005) have led to addditional proposed new legislative actions that further revise the state's antler regulations for the 2006 hunting season.

Publications

McDonald, C. G., S. Demarais, T. A. Campbell, H. F. Janssen, V. G. Allen, and A. M. Kelley. 2005. Physical and chemical characteristics of antlers and antler breakage in white-tailed deer. The Southwestern Naturalist 50(3):356-362.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
The majority of ungulate populations experience some degree of harvest, usually targeted toward males. Harvest strategies that alter population demographic characteristics may affect breeding structure and male dispersal, with negative consequences for genetic diversity and life history traits. We used a panel of DNA microsatellite loci to investigate the effects of male-biased harvest on male breeding success and dispersal in an ungulate model species, the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Although harvest intensity affected male dispersal patterns and the distribution of breeding success, harvest had a minimal impact on measures of genetic diversity and inbreeding. This was due primarily to ecological and life-history variables that influence the distribution of breeding success in white-tailed deer independent of harvest intensity. Overall, our results are consistent with theoretical predictions that male breeding tactics have a greater effect on population genetic diversity than dispersal. Comparisons with other taxa reveal the importance of life history characteristics in predicting population genetic response to selective harvest. Selective harvest is expected to exert a greater effect on populations characterized by sexual dimorphism, high levels of polygyny and late maturity, where heritable physical traits (e.g., body size and antler or horn size) have a large influence on male breeding success. Breeding dates and rate are important for the reproductive success of cervids. We investigated the potential impact of genetic relatedness and genetic variability on the reproductive timing and productivity of selected white-tailed deer populations in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Previous studies have proposed the genetic origin of white-tailed deer may influence the reproductive timing of populations. We used DNA sequence and microsatellite data to determine if there is a genetic explanation for the difference in reproductive timing between populations and female white-tailed deer. This study supports the suggestion that genetic differences between populations may be the cause of differences in breeding dates between white-tailed deer populations in the southeastern US. In contrast to previous findings, this research did not detect a relationship between genetic variability and the reproductive timing or productivity within white-tailed deer populations. Five graduate students have been supported by this project.

Impacts
Selective harvest to promote survival and subsequent breeding of males with high-quality antlers is practiced throughout the United States, but little is known about the reproductive impact of these animals or their ultimate antler expression. Completion of this project will allow a more thorough evaluation of selective harvest management strategies throughout the distribution of white-tailed deer.

Publications

DeYoung, R.W., L.I. Muller, S. Demarais, H.D. Guthrie, G.R. Welch, T.J. Engelken, and R.A. Gonzales. 2004. Do Odocoileus virginianus males produce Y-chromosome biased ejaculates? Implications for adaptive sex ratio theories. Journal of Mammalogy 85(4):768-773.
Dubey, J.P., D.H. Graham, R.W. DeYoung, E. Dahl, M.L. Eberhard, E.K. Nace, K. Won, H. Bishop, G. Punkosdy, C. Sreekumar, M.C.B. Vianna, S.K. Shen, O.C.H. Kwok, J.A. Sumners, S. Demarais, J.G. Humphreys, and T. Lehman. 2004. Molecular and biologic characteristics of Toxoplasma gondi from wildlife in the United States. Journal of Parasitology 90(1):67-71.
Lawrence, R.K., S. Demarais, R.A. Relyea, S.P. Haskell, and W.B. Ballard. 2004. Desert mule deer survival in southwest Texas. Journal of Wildlife Management 68(3):561-569.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
The alteration of population demographic parameters due to harvest management is known to affect physical health and behavior of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), but the impacts of these practices on genetic parameters of populations have not been established. We sampled 3 areas where different management practices resulted in a continuum of demographic conditions. Where mature bucks (greater than or equal to 3.5 years) comprised at least 30% of the male population (sex ratios <2.5 females:male), this age class sired 70% of sampled offspring. A female-biased sex ratio (>7 females:male) and young male age structure (80% of males <3.5 years of age) appeared to provide more equitable breeding opportunities for all age classes. The results of this study do not support the prevailing paradigm of male breeding success in this species, which assumes that a small number of dominant males sire the majority of offspring. Parentage assignment and within-cohort relatedness both clearly indicated that breeding was distributed among a large number of males regardless of the demographic state of the population. In addition, young males (<3.5 years) sired 30% of offspring, even in age-structured populations (30-58% of males greater than or equal to 3.5 years of age). White-tailed deer appear to have a much higher effective population size than other species of large mammals and thus suffered no inbreeding or reduced population genetic diversity under the management regimes we studied. However, male-biased harvest and female-skewed sex ratios resulted in genetic structuring, probably through restriction of gene flow via disruption of male dispersal.

Impacts
Selective harvest to promote survival and subsequent breeding of males with high-quality antlers is practiced throughout the United States, but little is known about the reproductive impact of these animals or their ultimate antler expression. Completion of this project will allow a more thorough evaluation of selective harvest management strategies throughout the distribution of white-tailed deer.

Publications

DeYoung, R. W., S. Demarais, R. L. Honeycutt, R. A. Gonzales, K. L. Gee, and J. D. Anderson. 2003. Evaluation of a DNA microsatellite panel useful for genetic exclusion studies in white-tailed deer. Wildlife Society Bulletin 31(1):220-232.
DeYoung, R. W., S. Demarais, R. L. Honeycutt, A. P. Rooney, R. A. Gonzales, and K. L. Gee. 2003. Genetic consequences of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) restoration in Mississippi. Molecular Ecology 12:3237-3252.
Miller, K. V., L. Muller, and S. Demarais. 2003. White-tailed deer. Pages 906-930 in G. A. Feldhamer, B. C. Thompson, and J. A. Chapman, editors. Wild mammals of North America: Biology, Management, and Conservation, Second Edition. John Hopkins University Press.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Control of offspring sex ratios by parents (adaptive sex ratio variation), has been proposed as a means whereby parents can increase their fitness. Offspring sex ratio could be significantly affected if males provided X- or Y-chromosome biased ejaculates. Recent evidence of biased ejaculates in domestic Artiodactyls raises the possibility of a male influence on offspring sex ratio control. We collected semen from captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) at 2 time periods during the breeding season of 2000-2001: after antler hardening (18 males) and prior to antler casting (14 males). The ratio of X- and Y-sperm did not differ from an expected 50:50 between deer or collection period. We also examined the temporal variation in offspring sex produced by 7 males which sired 9 to 18 fawns within a single breeding season. Progeny sex ratio was male-biased (50:39 male:female), but median conception dates of male and female fawns were similar; there were no apparent temporal trends in offspring sex. We find no evidence for a male influence on adaptive sex ratio allocation, if indeed this occurs, in white-tailed deer. Though skewed ejaculates occur in other taxa, their adaptive nature remains to be determined. The efficient sorting of sperm by DNA fluorescence flow cytometry has implications for research or captive breeding programs where sex preselection of offspring is desirable. The influence of genetics on the reproductive timing of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is not well understood. We compared genetic characteristics between pairs of populations in Mississippi and Louisiana in close geographic proximity but with breeding dates differing by 3 to 5 weeks. We genotyped 413 individuals collected during 1998 to 2002 using 17 DNA microsatellite markers. The mitochondrial control region was sequenced for 10 individuals from 11 of the 13 populations. Median breeding dates within population pairs differed (P < 0.05) by an average of 28 days. Mitochondrial DNA shows differences between populations within all the population pairs (P < 0.05) with Fst estimates ranging from 0.610 to 0.084. Microsatellite DNA shows differences between populations within 4 of 6 population pairs (P < 0.05) with Fst estimates ranging from 0.054 to 0.007. Female philopatry results in population subdivision of the maternally-inherited mitochondrial DNA. Male-biased dispersal mixes nuclear DNA between populations and reduces differentiation between populations using microsatellite DNA. These results suggest that the maternal lineage present in local populations contributes to the observed differences in breeding dates.

Impacts
A more complete understanding of factors that affect reproductive characteristics, such as timing of reproduction and fetal sex ratio, will improve our management effectiveness of white-tailed deer throughout their geographic range.

Publications

DeYoung, R. W., K. L. Gee, S. Demarais, R. L. Honeycutt, and R. A. Gonzales. 2002. Male reproductive success in white-tailed deer. 5th International Deer Biology Congress, Quebec City, CAN. (abstract)
DeYoung, R. W., S. Demarais, R. L. Honeycutt, R. A. Gonzales, and K. L. Gee. 2002. Multiple paternity in white-tailed deer revealed by DNA microsatellites. 5th International Deer Biology Congress, Quebec City, CAN. (abstract)
DeYoung, R. W., S. Demarais, R. L. Honeycutt, R. A. Gonzales, and K. L. Gee. 2002. Multiple paternity in white-tailed deer revealed by DNA microsatellites. Journal of Mammalogy 83:884-892.
Strickland, B. K., and S. Demarais. 2002. Reproductive characteristics of white-tailed deer. Delta Wildlife 10(2):14,16-17.
Strickland, B. K., and S. Demarais. 2002. Antler development of white-tailed deer. Delta Wildlife 10(2):6-7,28-29.
Murphy, B., D. Stewart, S. Demarais, and D. Bales. 2002. Developing successful quality deer management cooperatives. Quality Deer Management Association, Watkins, GA. 11 pages.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Multiple paternity in single litters has been documented in several taxa with different mating systems. However, information on occurrence or frequency of multiple paternity in ungulates is lacking. We assigned parentage in 41 litters of white-tailed deer born in 6 plural-male pens at the MSU captive facility during 1997-1999. We assigned multiple paternity in 7 of 27 multifarious litters occurring in 4 of the 6 plural-male pens: 2 of 3 triplet litters and 5 of 24 twin litters. There were no clear trends for occurrence of multiple paternity associated with density or sex ratio in our sample. However, multiple paternity seemed to occur most often when there was >1 female in concurrent estrous (as estimated by backdating from fawn birth dates). We obtained blood or tissue from 435 white-tailed deer through capture, harvest, or shed antlers between 1992-2001 on a 1,280-ha enclosed management area in south-central Oklahoma. We assigned paternity for 109 of 197 fawns born between 1993-2000 using 17 microsatellite DNA loci. A total of 47 individual males achieved reproductive success. Sixty fawns were assigned to 31 known-age (previously captured) males and 49 fawns were assigned to 16 males sampled by shed antlers only. Lifetime reproductive success was low for the majority of successful males (median = 1; range: 1-9) and median age at first reproduction for successful males was 2.5 years. Maximum single-year reproductive success for an individual male was 6 fawns. Of the 60 fawns assigned to known-age sires, 58% were sired by males at least 3.5 years of age. Our data suggest that less than 20% of the male population achieved reproductive success in any single year. These data have important ramifications for deer management strategies that emphasize selective harvest or protection of individual males to affect physical characteristics of deer populations, such as antler quality.

Impacts
Selective harvest to promote survival and subsequent breeding of males with high-quality antlers is practiced throughout the United States, but little is known about the reproductive impact of these animals or their ultimate antler expression. Completion of this project will allow a more thorough evaluation of selective harvest management strategies throughout the distribution of white-tailed deer.

Publications

Demarais, S. 2001. Whitetail Wisdom. Quality Whitetails 8(2):6.
Murphy, B., S. Demarais, D. Stewart, R. N. Griffin, and J. Hamilton. 2001. Deer data collection - Part 4: Estimating sex and age of live antlerless deer. Quality Whitetials 8(1):16-17, 20.
Demarais, S., D. Stewart, B. Griffin, J. Hamilton, and B. Murphy. 2001. Deer data collection - Part 5: Estimating the age of live bucks in the field. Quality Whitetails 8(2):7-9.
Strickland, B. K., and S. Demarais. 2001. Selective-Harvest Strategies. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Wildlife Issues 1(1):5.
Strickland, B. K., and S. Demarais. 2001. Age and regional differences in Mississippi deer. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Wildlife Issues 1(2):12.
DeYoung, R. W., S. Demarais, R. L. Honeycutt, J. D. Anderson, R. A. Gonzales, and K. L.Gee. 2001. Genetic analysis of Mississippi white?tailed deer populations. 24th Southeast Deer Study Group. (refereed abstract)
DeYoung, R. W., S. Demarais, R. L. Honeycutt, J. D. Anderson, R. A. Gonzales, and K. L.Gee. 2001. Microsatellite analysis of genetic variation in Mississippi white?tailed deer populations. Bienneial Welder Wildlife Foundation Student Symposium. (abstract)
Strickland, B. K., S. Demarais, L. E. Castle, J. W. Lipe, W. H. Lunceford, H. A. Jacobson, D. Frels, and K. V. Miller. 2001. Effects of selective-harvest strategies on white-tailed deer antler size. Wildlife Society Bulletin 29(2):509-520.
DeYoung, R. W., S. Demarais, R. A. Gonzales, R. L. Honeycutt, and K. L. Gee. 2002. Multiple paternity in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) revealed by DNA microsatellites. Journal of Mammalogy 83: in press. (August issue)
Stewart, A. W., S. Demarais, and R.N. Griffin. 2002. Aging and sexing wild white-tailed deer before harvest: a southeastern United States management focus. Proceedings, 4th International Wildlife Ranching Symposium. Toronto, Ontario, Canada (In Press).
Gonzales, R. A., J. Anderson, R. DeYoung, R. Honeycutt, S. Demarais, L. Skow, K. L. Gee, D. Honeycutt, A. Harris, and R. Gallagher. 2001. The use of microsatellite DNA markers to determine paternity and relatedness in captive and free-ranging white-tailed deer. IX International Plant and Animal Genome Conference. (poster)

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
Effects of age and social status on fawn production in breeding pens containing 2-3 males and up to 17 females has been monitored during 1997-2000. Our database includes 72 fawns born in 7 multiple-sire pens and their potential parents for a total of 149 genotypes. There were a total of 42 unique litters (15 single, 24 twin, and 3 triplet litters) born into the 7 multiple-sire pens. Fawn siring success is clearly more related to dominance than age. For example, in one pen the dominant 3.5-year male sired 15 of 16 fawns and the subordinant 5.5-year male sired a single fawn.

Impacts
Selective harvest to promote survival and subsequent breeding of males with high-quality antlers is practiced throughout the United States, but little is known about the reproductive impact of these animals or their ultimate antler expression. Completion of this project will allow a more thorough evaluation of selective harvest management strategies throughout the distribution of white-tailed deer.

Publications

Strickland, B.K., and S. Demarais. 2000. Age and regional differences in antler and body characteristics of white-tailed deer in Mississippi. Journal of Wildlife Management 64(4):903-911.
Stickland, B.K., S. Demarais, L.E. Castle, J.W. Lipe, W.H. Lunceford, H.A. Jacobson, D. Frels, and K.V. Miller. 2000. Effects of selective-harvest strategies on white-tailed deer antler size. Wildlife Society Bulletin (in press).
Strickland, B.K., and S. Demarais. 2000. Selective-harvest strategies. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks - Wildlife Issues (Fall/Winter) 1(1):5.
DeYoung, R.W., R. Honeycutt, J. Anderson, S. Demarais, K. Gee, R. Gonzalez, L. Skow, D. Honeycutt, and R. Gallagher. 2000. Use of microsatellite DNA markers to determine paternity and relatedness in captive white-tailed deer. The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN (Refereed abstract)
Strickland, B.K., S. Demarais, D. Frels, Jr., H.A. Jacobson, K.V. Miller, D.G. Hewitt, and M.K. Causey. 2000. Modeled effects of selective-harvest strategies on subsequent antler development. The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN. (Refereed abstract)

Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
Effects of age and social status on number of fawns sired has been monitored in breeding pens containing 2-3 males and up to 15 females during 1997, 1998 and 1999. Blood samples from fawns are used for DNA-based paternity testing using micro-satellite markers that were developed in cooperation with Texas A&M University and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. Evaluation of the markers using fawns from single-sire breeding pens indicate paternity can be assigned with greater than 0.999 probability. Field studies to test results from the penned studies involved collection of blood or tissue samples from live-captured or hunter-harvested deer on study areas in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas during 1998 and 1999.

Impacts
Selective harvest to promote survival and subsequent breeding of males with high-quality antlers is frequently practiced throughout the United States. However, little is known about the subsequent reproductive impact of these males. Documentation of age at which males become active breeders and the number of fawns they produce per year will allow evaluation of the potential success of selective harvest criteria.

Publications

Demarais, S. 1999. Age, nutrition, and genetic influences on antler growth. Pages 67-74 in N. Wilkins, ed. Deer Management 101: From the Ground Up. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
Three bucks, aged 1.5, 2.5, and 4.5 years old, were placed with 16 adult does (i.e., 1 buck:5 doe sex ratio) to determine the effect of social dominance on reproductive success during the 1997 breeding season. Social dominance was documented. Blood samples from all fawns will be evaluated for paternity using DNA testing. Two pens were used for breeding during the 1998 breeding season with three bucks, aged 1.5, 3.5, and 5.5 years old, placed with 12 adult does (i.e., 1 buck:4 doe sex ratio). Blood samples will be obtained during fawning season in 1999. Field studies to test results of the penned research are being conducted on 15 study sites throughout Mississippi. Tissue samples from hunter-harvested deer were collected during the 1998 hunting season. Genetic relatedness will be estimated for harvested deer to determine the age at which bucks become successful breeders.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Demarais, S. 1998. Managing for antler production: understanding the age-nutrition-genetics interaction. Pages 33-36 in D. Rollins, editor. The role of genetics in white-tailed deer management. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
Data from the second year of the surgical sterilization project has been analyzed and a thesis completed by Scott C. Walock.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Wolack, C. W. 1997. Changes in behavior of white-tailed deer after surgical sterilization of does by tubal ligation. Master of Science thesis, Mississippi State University.

Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
All data from genetic studies on deer were coded, computer logged and analysis initiated. A behavioral study on the effects of sterilization on the socio-biology of white-tailed deer was initiated with focal observations on two groups, a control group consisting of 4 does and six bucks and treatment consisting of four sterilized does and six bucks. Feed intake and weight gains/losses are also being recorded for each group.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Jacobson, H. A. 1996. Do's and dont's of raising white-tailed deer. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the North American Deer Farmers, Fort Worth, Texas, March 1-2.
Jacobson, H. A. 1996. The genetic Solution. Quality Whitetails. 3:(2) 26-29. Jacobson, H.A. 1996. What happened to the rut. Delta Wildlife. 15 (15):22-25.
Jacobson, H.A. 1996. A genetic link to hemorrhagic disease resistance, evidence from a captive deer herd in Mississippi. Proc. 19th Ann. S.E. deer study group meeting. 19:20.

Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
Fawning dates, antler data and molting data were recorded for deer in Michigan and Mississippi. Antler data were recorded for 14 and 10 Mississippi/Michigan crossbred bucks and fawning data recorded for 14 and 3 crossbred does in Michigan and Mississippi, respectively. Similar data was also collected for control animals at both locations.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

JACOBSON, H. A. 1996. A Genetic link to hemorragic disease, evidence from a captive deer herd in Mississippi. Proc. 19th Annual Meeting of the Southeast Deer Study Group: (In Press).

Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
Fawning dates were recorded for 7 Mississippi does bred to a Mississippi buck atthe Porter Ranch deer pens and 5 Michigan does bred to a Michigan buck at the Mississippi State University deer pens. Also, fawning was recorded for 6 and 6, Mississippi/Michigan crossbred does bred in Michigan and Mississippi, respectively. To date, fawning dates have been obtained from 73 Michigan sire to dam breedings in Michigan and 5 in Mississippi; 7 Mississippi sire to dam breedings in Michigan and 156 in Mississippi; 14 Michigan sire to Mississippi dam breedings in Michigan and 14 in Mississippi; 9 Mississippi sire to Michigan dam in Michigan and 10 in Mississippi; and 6 crossbred doe breedings in Michigan and 12 in Mississippi. Antler and body measures, molting dates, antler casting and velvet shedding dates also were recorded from purebred Michigan and Mississippi deer and from crossbred offspring at both locations. An outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic disease in Mississippi State University facilities resulted in deaths of 10 of 15 purebred Michigan deer and 15 of 35 crossbreeds. Only 2 of 22 purebred Southern deer died during the outbreak, strongly suggesting genetic resistance to this disease.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.

Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93

Outputs
Deer crossbreeding experiments in Michigan and Mississippi indicate both genetics and environment regulate reproductive timing. Michigan deer fawned about 7 weeks earlier than Mississippi deer, regardless of location. Mississippi deer moved to Michigan fawn about 3 weeks earlier and Michigan deer moved to Mississippi fawn about 3 weeks later, respectively, than in their home state. Cross-breed offspring have intermediate fawning dates. Antler casting and velvet shedding data show similar results to parturition data. Artificial insemination (A.I.) trials were conducted on 38 does to examine the effects of breeding timing on offspring sex ratio. Does were inseminated at 56 or 78 hours post treatment and withdrawal of vaginal progesterone releasing devises. Only 21% of these does carried fawns to term with no difference between treatments noted. Superovulation and embryo collection also was accomplished from four does and one successful embryo transfer was performed.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92

Outputs
Preliminary results on a crossbreeding experiment of Michigan and Mississippi deer provided evidence that both environment and genetics regulate reproductive timing of the white-tailed deer. MI does breed to MS bucks had latter fawning than MI does bred to MI bucks, whereas MS does bred to MI bucks had earlier fawning than MS does bred to MS bucks. Crossbred female offspring had fawning dates intermediate to the parent lines and crossbred males shed velvet and cast antlers on dates that were intermediate to parent lines. MS does bred earlier in MI than MS, but much latter than MI does in MI. Conversely, MI does bred latter in MS than MI, but much earlier than MS does in MS. Attempts to superovulate and collect embryos from three does were unsuccessful, possibly due to out-of-date drugs, although oestrus synchronization was achieved between potential embryo donors and recipients. A renovation of deer facilities was completed to allow for restraint of deer without the need of tranquilizing drugs. The facilities greatly improve the potential to conduct physiologic and reproductive research without subjecting the animals to unnecessary stress or tranquilizing drugs.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

JACOBSON, H. A. and KROLL, J. 1992. Why shoot spikes. North American Whitetail Magazine. 11(1):in press.

Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91

Outputs
Four Michigan does bred to a Mississippi buck in Mississippi fawned between 25 May and 12 June. Four Michigan does bred to a Mississippi buck in Michigan fawned between 7 and 26 June and a fifth doe fawned on 18 August. Five Mississippi does bred a Michigan buck in Mississippi fawned between 6 July and 6 August and a sixth doe fawned on 16 September. Michigan bucks shed antler velvet between 25 August and 10 September in Michigan and 6 September and 9 September in Mississippi. Mississippi bucks shed velvet between 16 September and 13 October in Mississippi and the one buck in Michigan shed velvet on 8 October. Antler casting for Michigan bucks in Mississippi occurred between 15 February and 7 March while Mississippi bucks cast antlers between 13 March and 18 April. Vernal and autumn molts occurred for Michigan and Mississippi deer at the same time in both locations. Embryo transfer procedures were initiated on 4 donor and 6 recipient does with progesterone pecerres administered in December to synchronize estrous for transfers in January. Deer research facilities were renovated with handling chutes and a restraint cradle installed to allow restraint of deer without drugs.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

JACOBSON, H. A. 1991. CMB Awards Research Grant. The value of cross-breeding Michigan and Mississippi white-tails. Commemorative Bucks of Michigan. Buck Fax. 5(2):8-9.