Microencapsulated Diethylstilbestrol as an Oral Contraceptive in White-Tailed Deer

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Abstract
The antifertility effects of a microencapsulated formulation containing 83% diethylstilbestrol (DES) offered in feed to female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were evaluated. In a switchback acceptance test with 5 concentrations, 1000 mg DES in 0.908 kg of feed resulted in the highest mean DES intake and was used in 2 tests during the breeding season. DES was fed on the 17th day postcoitum in Test II, and DES was fed every 30 days during the breeding season in Test III. Initial DES consumption averaged 672 and 496 mg for the 17- and 30-day treated does, respectively, but declined at later feedings. In the 17-day test, pregnancy was interrupted in 4 out of 5 treated does after the 1st DES feeding. These 4 rebred within 2 wk and pregnancy was again interrupted in 2 does at 2nd feeding. At the 3rd feeding there was poor acceptance of DES and no effect on pregnancy. Necropsy of 17 and 30 day does during Jan. revealed all but 1 doe was pregnant and presumably would have borne live young. Because of pregressively poor acceptance, the need for high doses, and the likelihood of prompt rebreeding after abortion, DES at these 2 feeding regimes is not useful in population control of white-tailed deer.

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