Consumption, protein and energy intake of fallow deer fawns on diets of differing nutritional quality

Abstract

Putman R. J., 1980: Consumption, protein and energy intake of fallow deer fawns on diets of differing nutritional quality. Acta theriol., 25, 33: 403-413 fWith 5 Tables & 1 Figs.]. Dry matter consumption, protein and energy intake were measured for four fallow deer fawns, Dama dama (Linnaeus, 1758) of 5-8 months old on a series of diets of different nutritional quality. Mean daily dry matter consumption was found to be equivalent between the two sexes and to increase significantly with age of the fawns. Within this, dry matter intake increased still further when diet quality was reduced, such that gross protein intake remained constant at a value of between 31 and 34 g per day (2.35 g/kgW0.75). Further reduction in diet quality resulted in a slightly decreased dry matter intake (although still significantly higher than consumption of controls) with a decrease in gross protein intake below this level; and a reduction in condition of the fawns. Increased quality of the diet had no significant effect on dry matter consumption, although, as a result of the higher percentage protein of the diet mix, mean daily protein intake increased to 40.27 g (3.02 g/kgW0.75). Gross energy never appeared limiting and intake related purely to the amount of dry matter consumed and calorific value of the diet; however, levels of digestible energy may have been limiting and it is suggested that increased dry matter intake as dietary quality decreased may have been in an attempt to maintain a minimum required intake of digestible energy even on the poorer quality rations. Changes in dry matter intake in relation to forage quality are consistent with those reported by other authors and represent a compensatory mechanism to maintain nutritional intake on diets of varying digestibility.