Animal-unit equivalence of bison, wapiti, and mule deer in the aspen parkland of Alberta

2007 ◽  
Vol 85 (7) ◽  
pp. 767-773 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.W. Kuzyk ◽  
R.J. Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Slow Release ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Bison Bison ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
East Central ◽  
Aspen Parkland ◽  
Forage Intake

Animal-unit equivalences needed for joint-stocking calculations of ungulates are rarely studied because of difficulties deriving accurate estimates of forage intake. We used indigestible internal and external markers (double n-alkane ratio) to determine animal-unit equivalence of bison ( Bison bison (L., 1758)), wapiti ( Cervus elaphus canadensis L., 1758), and mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)) in the aspen parkland of east-central Alberta. We hypothesized that dry matter intake would differ among species in absolute terms (kg·day–1) but not when expressed as percent body mass (%BM) or when related to metabolic mass (g·kg–1·day–1 BM0.75). We administered slow-release n-alkane capsules to 12 bison, 3 wapiti, and 11 mule deer and released them into separate 3–7 ha paddocks during summer and fall. Intake of dry matter by bison, wapiti, and mule deer differed significantly among species when expressed as total intake (p = 0.009) and %BM (p = 0.014) but not when related to metabolic mass (p = 0.237). Dry matter intake related to metabolic mass did not differ between bison and mule deer in any comparison despite a 6.8-fold difference in body size, suggesting that intake scales to metabolic mass, and is the preferred expression of animal-unit equivalents.

Using n-alkane markers to estimate forage intake of mule deer

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (11) ◽  
pp. 1576-1583 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.W. Kuzyk ◽  
R.J. Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Mule Deer ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
East Central ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Carbon Chains ◽  
Aspen Parkland ◽  
Consumption Rates ◽  
Forage Intake ◽  
Free Ranging

Dry matter intake (DMI) of free-ranging mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)) in the aspen parkland of east-central Alberta was estimated using the double n-alkane ratio and bite count methods. Eleven female mule deer were given an intraruminal capsule containing synthetic n-alkanes and released into 4–8 ha paddocks. Known concentration of even-chained carbon (C32) was released from the capsules and recovered 7–10 days later from freshly voided faeces. Odd carbon chains of adjacent length (C31:C33) were extracted from vegetation samples gathered during behavioural observations of four tame deer. Calculations from the pairings (C31:C32; C33:C32) provided estimates of DMI that ranged from 1.29 to 2.73 kg/day. DMI was highest during autumn, possibly to prepare for increased energy demands for the upcoming winter. No differences were found in seasonal or annual comparisons of bite rates, but bite sizes differed in all comparisons, suggesting bite size was a critical factor affecting consumption rates for mule deer on northern ranges. Maximum bite sizes rose from 49 ± 5 mg/bite in July to 213 ± 58 mg/bite in October. Maximum consumption rates were in October of both years (3.6–4.4 g/min) and occasionally approached theoretical maxima (14.3–15.6 g/min).

Adaptive rumen function in elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus)

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 601-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. E. Spalinger ◽  
C. T. Robbins ◽  
T. A. Hanley
Keyword(s):  
Diet Quality ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Liquid Volume ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Passage Rate ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
And Function

We tested the hypothesis that rumen function is adaptive to diet quality and intake rate using ruminally fistulated elk and mule deer. In experiment 1 we measured rumen particle-size distribution, rumen fill, and particle and liquid passage rates of animals fed three diets varying in quality (chopped pea, alfalfa, and wheat hays). In experiment 2, similar measurements were obtained on elk fed alfalfa hay ad libitum or at restricted intake levels. Rumen characteristics and passage rates of particles and liquids were similar for animals consuming alfalfa and pea hays. Intake, rumen dry-matter concentration and fill, and liquid passage rate were significantly lower when animals consumed wheat hay. Few significant differences in rumen characteristics or passage rates were found between animals fed alfalfa ad libitum or at restricted levels. Rumen liquid volume and dry-matter fill were related linearly to intake (r2 = 0.98 for both) in deer and elk fed alfalfa and pea hays. However, liquid volume and dry-matter fill of elk fed wheat hay and alfalfa at restricted levels were higher than the deer–elk interspecific regression, indicating an adaptive ruminal response. We concluded that rumen function was adaptive to both diet quality and availability, but that the response likely was subject to the limitations imposed by food characteristics and the inherent limitations of rumen structure and function.

Forage intake by black-tailed deer in a natural environment: bout dynamics

1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 1118-1128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Gillingham ◽  
Katherine L. Parker ◽  
Thomas A. Hanley
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Leaf Size ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Active Time ◽  
Skunk Cabbage ◽  
Forage Intake ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus Sitkensis ◽  
Free Ranging

We examined the within-bout and seasonal dynamics of intake rate for free-ranging tractable black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) throughout a 2-year period. Based on log frequency analyses of 487 complete active bouts, we concluded that active bouts consisted of a series of foraging bouts separated by ~2 min of nonforaging activity. Black-tailed deer spent ~92% of their active time foraging, independent of sex or season. Dry matter intake rates varied significantly with season, from ~0.5 g/min active in winter up to 1.5 g/min in summer, but few differences were attributable to sex. The large leaf size of skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanum) enabled deer to attain and sustain intake rates that approached predicted theoretical Rmax values of 10–12 g dry matter/min (L.A. Shipley and D.E. Spalinger. 1992. Can. J. Zool. 70: 1743–1752). Daily dry matter intake varied from 300 g/day in winter to > 1300 g/day in summer. Deer maintained a constant intake rate throughout only one-third of all active periods; intake was reduced at the end of ~40% of-all bouts, while intake rates increased towards the end of 30% of bouts. We discuss the implications of these dynamics for sampling of incomplete bouts, which is frequently employed by observers. Finally, we discuss the importance of selected, not available, biomass in understanding the foraging intake of ungulates.

The effects of ruminal and duodenal casein infusion on intake of red clover silage, milk production and microbial protein synthesis

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 ◽  
pp. 123-123
Author(s):  
H. Khalili ◽  
P. Huhtanen ◽  
S. Jaakkola ◽  
T. Varvikko
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Protein Production ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Cellulolytic Activity ◽  
Microbial Protein ◽  
Protein Supplements ◽  
High Quality Protein ◽  
Forage Intake

Enhanced cellulolytic activity in the rumen and improved balance between amino acids and energy have been suggested to increase silage dry matter intake in cows given high quality protein supplements. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of casein infused continuously into the rumen, duodenum or both on forage intake, milk yield, milk composition and microbial protein production.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF MOISTURE CONTENT OF FORAGE STORED IN POLYVINYL SILOS ON INTAKE AND PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY COWS

1964 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. S. Logan ◽  
P. S. Haydon
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Forage Intake ◽  
Silage Quality ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Gas Tight

Legume–grass forage was ensiled two seasons in 25-ton polyvinyl-encased stacks at dry matter (D.M.) levels of 22 to 37% or stored as field-cured hay. The polyvinyl sleeve coverings provided initial gas-tight conditions. High losses occurred in the high D.M. (32 to 37%) silage during the feeding-out period. Silage quality, as indicated by volatile fatty acid ratios, proximate principles, and digestibility coefficients, was not significantly influenced by D.M. content. When cows were fed the lower D.M. (22 to 29%) silages and hay, forage intake was inversely related to its dry matter content. Intake of high D.M. silage appeared abnormally low. Milk yields appeared to be more consistently influenced by small variations in grain intake than forage dry matter intake through both trials. Milk yields from silages were greater than from hay per unit of D.M. intake. Moisture content of forage had no significant effect on milk composition as indicated by percentage of butterfat, solids-not-fat, or protein.

Niche relationships within a guild of ungulate species in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, following release from artificial controls

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (8) ◽  
pp. 1383-1394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis J. Singer ◽  
Jack E. Norland
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Bighorn Sheep ◽  
Ovis Canadensis ◽  
Bison Bison ◽  
Exclusion Principle ◽  
Antilocapra Americana ◽  
Artemisia Frigida ◽  
Niche Relationships

Niche relationships and diet overlaps were compared among elk (Cervus elaphus), bison (Bison bison), bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) between 1967–1970 and 1986–1988, a period when total ungulate numbers nearly tripled on Yellowstone's northern range. Ungulate species ratios on Yellowstone's northern winter range during the latter period were 100 elk : 10 mule deer : 3 bison : 2 pronghorns : 1 bighorns. Elk numbers were positively correlated to bison, mule deer, and pronghorn numbers (r2 = 0.76, 0.97, and 0.48, respectively, P < 0.01). Few other changes in habitat use or habitat overlap occurred, and diets for only 2 of the 10 species pairs, elk-bighorn (Spearman's rank order coefficient (RHO) = 0.55, P < 0.05) and mule deer – pronghorn (RHO = 0.64, P < 0.05), were significantly associated with each other. Bison consumed more grass and fewer sedges, mule deer more fringed sage (Artemisia frigida) and more rabbit-brush (Chrysothamnus spp.), and bighorn sheep more grasses and fewer sedges, while pronghorns ate less saltsage (Atriplex nuttalli) but more big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) during 1986–1988 than during 1967–1970. Bison expanded their range and bison and bighorn sheep used a wider variety of habitats. We found little evidence of change in competitive interactions between ungulate species. A few diet and habitat overlaps increased, the opposite of the prediction from the competitive exclusion principle amongst species, suggesting that intraspecific competition was more important. Several explanations are proposed for the lack of changes in niche relationships during a period of near tripling in density of the ungulate guild.

scholarly journals Effects of Domestic Livestock and Wildlife Grazing in Grand Teton National Park

1990 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 103-104
Author(s):  
Michael Smith ◽  
Jerrold Dodd
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
National Park ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Bison Bison ◽  
Antilocapra Americana ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Jackson Hole ◽  
Domestic Livestock ◽  
Wildlife Populations ◽  
Park Area

The Snake River plains and foothill areas of Jackson Hole have been grazed by domestic livestock since settlement of the area. Wildlife populations, including elk (Cervus elaphus), buffalo (Bison bison), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and antelope (Antilocapra americana) have historically used the area. Moose (Alces alces) are currently relatively abundant. Currently, livestock continue to use part of the area contained in Grand Teton National Park either as a concession or due to authorization by Park enabling legislation. Large grazing wildlife also inhabit the Park area. Park managers need information concerning the effects of grazing by large ungulates on vegetation resources, to achieve desired plant community goals by effectively managing grazing.

Preliminary findings of genotype variations in growth rate and feed intake of weaner deer

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 41-43
Author(s):  
D.R. Stevens ◽  
I.D. Corson ◽  
R.P. Littlejohn
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Hybrid Male ◽  
Live Weight Gain

Deer are seasonal animals with a feed intake that varies with day length, reaching a low in winter. Feed intake then rises rapidly in spring. Superimposed on the nutritional response to day length are the genetics of the deer. This paper documents preliminary findings of live weight gain in winter and spring and intake during September for red deer (Cervus elaphus) and elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) x red deer hybrids. Two experiments examined the relative growth rates and feed intake of rising 1 year old red and elk x red hybrid male deer during winter and spring 2001 and 2002. Live weight gain was higher in the elk x red than the red deer in both winter (averaging 262 and 144 g/d respectively) and spring (averaging 390 and 272 g/d respectively). Dry matter intake in September 2001 was 1.64 and 2.13 kg DM/d for red and elk x red deer respectively (P=0.003). Dry matter intake in September 2002 averaged 2.04 and 2.35 kg DM/d (P

Neuropathology of Chronic Wasting Disease of Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and Elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni)

1993 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. S. Williams ◽  
S. Young
Keyword(s):  
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Chronic Wasting Disease ◽  
Neuronal Degeneration ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Amyloid Plaques ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Spongiform Encephalopathy ◽  
Wasting Disease ◽  
Cervus Elaphus Nelsoni

The pathology of the central nervous system of nine mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus) and six elk ( Cervus elaphus nelsoni) with chronic wasting disease, a spongiform encephalopathy of mule deer and elk, was studied by light microscopy. Lesions were similar in both species and were characterized by spongiform transformation of gray matter, intracytoplasmic vacuolation of neurons, neuronal degeneration and loss, astrocytic hypertrophy and hyperplasia, occurrence of amyloid plaques, and absence of significant inflammatory response. Distribution and severity of lesions were evaluated at 57 locations; there were only minor differences between deer and elk. Consistent, severe lesions occurred in olfactory tubercle and cortex, hypothalamus, and the parasympathetic vagal nucleus of deer, and sections examined from these regions would be sufficient to establish a diagnosis of chronic wasting disease. Lesions were milder in these locations in elk but were sufficiently apparent to be of diagnostic value. Other differences included increased severity of lesions in some thalamic nuclei in elk in contrast to deer, the occurrence of amyloid plaques demonstrable by hematoxylin and eosin and histochemical stains in deer in contrast to elk, and the presence of mild white matter lesions in elk but not in deer. Lesions of chronic wasting disease were qualitatively comparable to those of scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, transmissible mink encephalopathy, and the human spongiform encephalopathies. Topographic distribution and lesion severity of chronic wasting disease were most similar to those of scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Duration of clinical disease did not significantly influence lesion distribution or severity in either species.

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