Effects of seasonality on male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) reproductive characteristics

Authors

  • J. Stewart Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802
  • L. Schmidt Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802
  • R. Ellerbrock Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802
  • S. Scholz Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20173400

Keywords:

reproductive characteristics, white-tailed deer, breeding season, season, genetics

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate reproductive characteristics of white-tailed deer (WTD) bucks early in the breeding season (SEPT), at peak rut (DEC), and late season (MAR). Deer farming is an emerging industry in the United States with dissemination of superior genetics relying on the ability to evaluate bucks and freeze semen. Despite cervid reproduction being strongly influenced by season, there is limited information available on how this affects semen quality, testicle size, or accessory sex glands in WTD.

Cover image of the 50th Conference Proceedings: Text of "AABP Annual Conference" with the AABP logo superimposed over an interlocking 50. Yellow background.

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Published

2017-09-14

Issue

2017

Section

AASRP Research Summaries