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The effects of castration of fallow deer (Dama dama) on body growth and venison production

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

R. C. Mulley  and
A. W. English
R. C. Mulley
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
A. W. English
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
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Abstract

Castration of fallow deer (Dama dama) at 7 months of age resulted in a depressed growth rate to slaughter at 20 months of age, compared with entire bucks. The castrated bucks were significantly lighter at 15 and 20 months of age respectively (P < 0·001). The mean carcass weight of castrated bucks was 6·2 kg lighter and their dressing proportion 0·07 lower than entire bucks. The potential loss of income per carcass is equivalent to A$27·00 per castrated buck at 1984 prices, with a further potential loss of A$30·00 per head from velvet antler production prior to slaughter, if this is deferred until 2 years of age. It is suggested that the only advantage that castrated bucks would have over dean tiered entire bucks occurs during the rutting period of 3 to 6 weeks from early April, when entire bucks are extremely aggressive, and difficult to confine and transport without risk of injury and bruising of carcasses.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 41 , Issue 3 , December 1985 , pp. 359 - 361
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1985

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References

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