I measured digestible protein consumed by 4 (2 M, 2 F) captive desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki). Deer were fed native forage collected from the Belmont Mountains, Arizona. Intake of forage differed significantly (P < 0.05) between sexes in every season. Intake of digestible protein for both sexes was highest in fall, lowest in the spring and summer for males and females, respectively. Significant (P < 0.05) differences of forage biomass were recorded among all vegetation associations and seasons in the Belmont Mountains. The most forage biomass was available in winter, the least in spring. Desert mule deer in the Belmont Mountains are close to the nutritional carrying capacity of the range. Other efforts to increase the deer population may not be effective if the forage base is not increased.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/278157 |
| Date | January 1992 |
| Creators | Albert, Steven Keith, 1960- |
| Contributors | Krausman, Paul R. |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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