CONTROLLING ANTLER GROWTH IN A CASTRATED INDOCHINESE SIKA DEER CERVUS NIPPON PSEUDAXIS USING A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE...

A captive Indochinese sika deer (Cervus nippon pseudaxis) was castrated at the age of 5 yr. The resultant abnormal antler growth over the next few years became difficult to manage from both the veterinary and husbandry standpoints. Using a commercially available trenbolone acetate and estradiol implant marketed for domestic cattle heifers, normal mineralization of the abnormal antlers was achieved along with the expected normal casting. The deer was then maintained for 6 yr using an annual implant regimen.