New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts
A putative effect of ambient temperature during the rut on time of calving
in young red deer hinds
M. W. Fisher*
P. D. Johnstone
AgResearch
Invermay Agricultural Centre
Private Bag 50 034
Mosgiel, New Zealand
*Present address: P.O. Box 2484, Stortford Lodge, Hastings, New Zealand.
Email: agethics@xtra.co.nz
Abstract The principle cue entraining circannual environmental
rhythms and reproductive function in red deer is photoperiod, but other factors
probably play important roles in modifying seasonality. Examination of calving
records of untreated, first-calving hinds over a 10-year period revealed
year-to-year variation in the mean calving date. Most variation was due to
individual hinds, however a significant (P < 0.05) influence of the mean
minimum temperature during the early rutting period on calving date was apparent
with colder temperatures associated with slightly earlier mean calving dates.
Keywords red deer; season; puberty; rut; temperature;
calving
A02009 Received 12 February 2002; accepted 29 July 2002; published 9 December
2002
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 2002, Vol. 45: 305-308
0028-8233/02/4504-0305 $7.00/0 © The Royal Society of New Zealand
2002
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