Pen Raised Deer
Filed under: Ask Grant, Deer Biology
Question
Is there a way to increase enzymatic activity in the rumen so deer will eat more and/or absorb more thus becoming larger? I see pen raised deer that are immature that still have nice racks. I figure this is due to food consumption. If he takes care of his body early, he is able to devote more of his energy to antler development.
Darren
Darren,
I don’t work much with captive deer herds. There have been several experiments with feed additives in the cattle market with mixed success. Using such additives for deer is too close to domestication for my preferences. My personal passion is to manage free-ranging herds and habitat so they can express their potential.
Growing Deer together,
Grant
