Performance of weaned rusa (Cervus timorensis) deer given concentrates of varying protein content with sorghum hay

Abstract

Summary. In 2, 18-week experiments, rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) initially weighing 22 kg, were given sorghum hay supplemented with concentrates containing nominally 12, 17 or 20% protein. Hay was given ad libitum and the concentrates were offered at 2.8% (experiment 1) or 2.5% (experiment 2) of liveweight daily. Concentrate contents in the diets as selected averaged 88 and 74% (air-dry basis) in the final 3 weeks of experiments 1 and 2. In experiment 1, males grew faster than females (163 v. 125 g/day; P = 0.0001), and deer given the 20% protein concentrate grew significantly (P<0.05) faster than the remainder. Stags given the 20% protein concentrate in experiment 2 grew more quickly (161 g/day), and had larger necks, greater body length and greater antler growth. The optimum diet protein content for growth in both male and female weaners may be 15% (dry matter basis), but higher protein contents may give earlier pedicle initiation and faster antler growth in males.