Growth and mineralisation of antlers in red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Abstract

In a study of antler growth and mineralisation, 18 red deer stags aged 4 years and older were individually penned immediately before and during antler growth and offered one of three pelleted rations which varied in protein and calcium (Ca) content. One antler was removed from a stag in each treatment group at 28, 42, 56, 70, 91, and 112 days of growth. The contralateral antler was removed when epidermal tissue began to be shed (velvet shedding). No effect of nutritional treatment on antler growth was detected. Mean time of velvet shedding was 164 days after the start of antler growth. Date of antler casting (range = 56 days) was more variable than date of velvet shedding (range = 24 days). Increase in length and weight followed a typical growth curve with the most rapid phases, 0.67 cm/day and 13.7 g/day respectively, occurring between 28 and 112 days after casting. By 112 days, antlers had achieved about 95 and 127% of final length and weight. Three phases of mineralisation were demonstrated. The first was a zone of initial rapid mineralisation 5.0–7.5 cm behind the poorly mineralised antler tip. The second phase was a gradual general increase with time in density of bone matrix and its degree of mineralisation throughout the antler shaft. The third phase occurred between 91 and 112 days of growth. It coincided with cessation of growth in length and was characterised by rapid deposition of matrix throughout the antler with immediate and high rates of mineralisation. Maximum rate of Ca deposition in an antler ultimately weighing 3 kg was calculated to be 8.4 g/day, and occurred between 91 and 112 days of growth.

Keywords:

• Cervus elaphus
• red deer
• antler