Influence of Protein-Energy Intake on Deer Fawns in Autumn

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Abstract
Fawn white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) were fed 2 levels of protein (16.2 vs. 6.6%) and 2 of energy (3000 vs. 2700 kcal/kg) in a factorial-design study for 10 wk in autumn. Twenty-seven physical parameters indicative of body growth, metabolic state and lipogenesis under these nutritional regimes were examined. Fawns receiving diets higher in energy exhibited greater gains in body weight and skeletal size, had larger internal organs and accumulated heavier fat depots compared to animals on lower caloric intake. The level of dietary protein in itself had minimal effects on the relative well-being of fawns, although substantial protein-energy interactions often were noted. Differences in physiological status among test groups were confirmed by blood assays from these animals. The role of autumn nutrition in promoting proper growth and health of fawns, the potential consequences of protein or energy deprivation and the management implications of these findings are discussed.

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