G Semiadi
Abstract
Several biological measurements were made on captive sambar deer over 3 years (1989-92). Calving occurred from January to November, with a peak in April/May. Mean calving date was 8 May (SD = 71.3 days; n = 31). Calf mortality at birth was 28% (12/43), with the major causes being adult aggression and inclement weather. Mortality was higher in stag calves (41%) than hind calves (6%). Most adult stags were in velvet antler between January and April (mean = 125 days; SD = 22.6 days), and in hard antler between May and November (mean = 231 days; SD = 40.0 days), during which time rutting behaviour was observed. Mean dates of velvet stripping and hard antler casting were 17 April (SD = 14.9 days) and 7 December (SD = 35.4 days), respectively. These data are compared with similar data for farmed red deer. Sambar deer were found to be highly nervous and temperamental, but became more settled with regular human contact and feeding with maize and hay.
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