Androgen Levels and Antler Development in Captive and Wild White-Tailed Deer

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Abstract
Blood samples were collected monthly from 5 captive adult male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) over a 1 yr period. A blood sample was also collected, at immobilization, from each of 55 wild adult (12 mo. old or older) male white-tailed deer captured over approximately 1 yr in SW Virginia [USA]. The antlers of each buck were classified according to stage of development at the time of sampling. Androgen levels and the antler cycles for the captive and wild deer were essentially similar and followed a distinct cyclic pattern. Plasma androgen levels (ng/ml) for the captive and wild deer were highest during Nov. (14.03 .+-. 2.79 (SE) and 31.23 .+-. 11.03 (SE), respectively) and lowest during June (0.84 .+-. 0.14 (SE) and 1.14 .+-. 0.36 (SE)). Androgen concentrations were low and antler growth had commenced and was proceeding rapidly in the velvet from March through July. Androgen concentrations were highest and antlers were hardened and polished during Nov. when does are normally bred in SW Virginia. By Dec. and Jan., androgen concentrations had diminished substantially, coincident with the initiation of antler shedding.