Related Experiment Videos
Antler anomalies in tule elk
P J Gogan1, D A Jessup, R H Barrett
1Department of Forestry and Resource Management, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Tule elk reintroduced to California showed antler anomalies, likely due to copper deficiency. Low soil and vegetation copper, possibly worsened by poor nutrition, are suspected causes.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife biology
- Animal nutrition
- Ecology
Background:
- Antler anomalies were observed in tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) shortly after their reintroduction.
- These anomalies resemble those previously linked to mineral deficiencies in deer species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of antler anomalies in reintroduced tule elk.
- To assess potential nutritional deficiencies contributing to these anomalies.
Main Methods:
- Observation of antler development in tule elk.
- Assessment of mineral levels in soil and vegetation at the reintroduction site.
- Evaluation of the elk's nutritional status, focusing on copper and protein.
Main Results:
- Antler anomalies were present in the elk population within one year of reintroduction.
- The elk exhibited signs consistent with copper deficiency.
- Low copper levels were detected in both soil and vegetation.
- Poor range conditions may have contributed to a protein deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Copper deficiency is postulated as the primary cause of antler anomalies in these tule elk.
- Environmental factors, including low soil/vegetation copper and protein deficiency, likely contributed to the observed anomalies.