Production Cycles and Characteristics of Rusa Deer in Queensland, Australia

Abstract

A herd of rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) was monitored for 4 years at University of Queensland, Gatton College. Reported characteristics include reproductive cycles and performance, antler cycles, growth rates, live weights, carcass parameters, animal health, and behavior. Additional results obtained from private herds in Queensland are presented. Breeding stags and hinds at Gatton College were run together throughout the year. However, of mature hinds 84% calved in autumn between 4 March and 15 May. Most primiparous hinds gave birth between June and October at 15 to 18 months of age. Intercalving intervals following autumn births were about 365 days but were shorter following winter and spring births. Mean gestation was 252.6 days. Pregnancy rates in mature hinds were 97% per annum. Weaning rates were 84% per annum. Mean birth weights were 5.1 kg in males and 4.7 kg in females. Highest growth rates occurred prior to 6 months of age. Most stags were slaughtered for venison at about 14 months and produced a 47 to 50 kg carcass. Live weight changes in males greater than 14 months were associated with the antler cycle and stags older than 2 years lost about 15% of their live weight during the breeding rut.