Concentration of Potentially Toxic Elements in Farmed Fallow Deer Antlers Depending on Diet and Age

Deer antlers, usually harvested annually on a farm, are an accessible material used to determine the exposition to potentially toxic elements, PTEs, during growth. Moreover, the study of antlers from animals of different ages allows the assessment of long-term exposition to these elements. The aim of the study was to analyze the concentration of eight potentially toxic elements (Cd, Pb, As, Ba, Ni, Sr, La, Ce) in individual positions of the antlers (first, second, and third position, corresponding to the stages of development and life of these animals) and in the food that the animals consumed during the growth of individual antler fragments, depending on the age of the farmed fallow deer (Dama dama). The mineral composition of samples was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analysis included 31 male deer aged 2-8 years old. The average concentration of Pb, Ba, and Ni was higher in the second position of the antler, and As, La, and Ce in the third position. In addition, the oldest individuals showed a higher Cd, Pb, and As concentration in the third position. A significant positive relationship was found between the age of animals and accumulation of As (r = 0.582, p < 0.05), as well as Ba and Sr (r = -0.534, r = -0.644 at p < 0.05, respectively). The average content of Ba and Sr also significantly negatively depended on body mass and antler mass stags (r = -0.436, r = -0.515 at p < 0.05, respectively). Cd concentration in feed was significantly higher in June compared to winter, spring, and later summer (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the concentration of Ba in food was significantly higher in spring and winter than in early and later summer (p < 0.05). An increase in the PTEs in the pasture determined the concentration of these components in fallow deer antlers.

The Behavior of Some Bacterial Strains Isolated from Fallow Deer Compared to Antimicrobial Substances in Western Romania

(1) Background: The resistance levels of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., etc., isolated from the nasal cavity and the rectum of Dama dama deer from three hunting grounds in Western Romania were assessed. (2) Methods: The analysis was completed using the diffusimetric method, compliant with CLSI reference standards, and with Vitek-2 (BioMérieux, France), on 240 samples. (3) Results: The results were statistically analyzed (by one-way ANOVA) revealing that in four of the ten E. coli strains isolated from animals, 87.5% (p < 0.001) resistance was found. E. coli strains were resistant to cephalexin (100%); seven strains were resistant to cephalothin and ampicillin; six were resistant to cefquinome and cefoperazone; five were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid; and four were resistant to ceftiofur. However, E. coli was sensitive to amikacin (100%). The most efficient structures were beta-lactams, amikacin, and imipenem, to which all 47 strains studied (100%) were sensitive, followed by nitrofurantoin, to which 45 strains (95.7%) were sensitive, neomycin, to which 44 strains (93.6%) were sensitive, ceftiofur, to which 43 strains (91.5%) were sensitive, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and marbofloxacin, to which 42 strains (89.4%) were sensitive. (4) Conclusions: In wild animal populations, where a human presence is frequently reported, including a constant presence of domestic animals, despite the perceived low risk of emerging resistance to antimicrobials, resistance is likely to develop frequently.

Concentration of Macroelements and Trace Elements in Farmed Fallow Deer Antlers Depending on Age

The mineral content of the antlers reflects the nutritional status and specific stage of bone growth in cervid males. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Li, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo in three characteristic antler positions selected based on the observation of fights between males. These were compared between farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) of different ages. The mineral compositions of tissues were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The highest mean concentrations of macroelements (except K) were recorded in the youngest animals aged 2 or 3 years in the proximal position of the antlers. With age and distance from the skull, Ca, P, Mg and Na contents decreased, while K increased. Higher mean concentrations of most trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn) were recorded in 3-year-old animals in antler distal positions. With an increase in the age, body mass and antler mass of fallow deer, the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Mn, Cu and Zn decreased (−0.414 ≤ R ≤ −0.737, p < 0.05) in the studied tissue, whereas Li increased (0.470 ≤ R ≤ 0.681, p < 0.05). The obtained results confirm that the antlers’ chemical composition changes with age, also changing the Ca:P ratio.

The Mineral Composition of Bone Marrow, Plasma, Bones and the First Antlers of Farmed Fallow Deer

An adequate supply of essential nutrients is particularly important during the skeletal growth and development of young deer, especially in males, who build new antlers each year. The aim of the research was to analyze the levels of 21 mineral elements (including the bulk elements: Ca, P, Mg, K, Na; trace elements: Li, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo; and toxic elements: Be, Al, As, Cd, Sb, Ba, Pb, Ni) in the bone marrow, plasma, bones, and first antlers of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama). The mineral compositions of tissues were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Higher concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Cr, Zn, Se, Al, Ba and Ni were found in bone marrow than in plasma. The highest concentrations of Ca, P and Ba were recorded in fallow deer bone, while the highest concentrations of Mg, K, Na, Li, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Be, Al, As, Sb, Pb and Ni were found in the antlers. Moreover, the research showed a significant negative relationship between Ca and Cd, and between Ca and Pb, and P and Pb (rS = −0.70, rS = −0.80, and rS = −0.66, respectively; p < 0.05) in the tissues.

Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Bone Marrow in Farmed Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Depending on Diet

There are few studies on the composition of fatty acids and how they change the bone marrow fat of young animals depending on nutrition. Therefore, the proximate and fatty acid composition of metatarsal bone marrow from fawns of farm fallow deer after a summer of grazing and the winter feeding was compared. Due to the size and nature of the data, parametric or nonparametric tests were used. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatographic analysis. After the winter feeding, bone marrow contained more fat (83.11% vs. 75.09%, p < 0.05) and less fat free dry matter (5.61% vs. 13.76%, p < 0.05) compared to the pasture period. Moreover, there was a significantly higher amount of saturated fatty acids (23.34% vs. 21.60%, p < 0.001), more trans fatty acids (2.99% vs. 2.34%, p < 0.005), and conjugated linoleic acid isomers (1.04% vs. 0.83%, p < 0.01), compared to post winter feeding, which in turn contained significantly more total cis-monounsaturated fatty acids (54.65% vs. 58.90%, p < 0.001). The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (including n-3 and n-6) was not affected by feeding season. In conclusion, it was shown that young male farm fallow deer were better nourished after the winter period, during which they were kept in properly prepared rooms and fed fodder prepared by people.

The First Detection of Abomasal Nematode Ashworthius sidemi in Fallow Deer (Dama dama) in Russia

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to supplement the data concerning the spreading of nematode Ashworthius sidemi among wild ruminants in Russia.

METHODS

The samples of A. sidemi were collected from two fallow deer, which were born and raised in the game farm in Smolensk region (55° 16' N-34° 29' E). The affiliation of the detected nematodes as A. sidemi was made using morphological features (shape of the spicules and the dorsal ray of bursa for males, as well as the presence and shape of the neodont in the buccal cavity for males and females).

RESULTS

The intensity of infection in 2 studied fallow deer was 7 and 19 individuals of A. sidemi. All of the specimens of A. sidemi had the features of juvenile forms. The registration of fallow deer as another one host of A. sidemi in Russia indicates a further spreading of this nematode and confirms the necessity of strengthening the control of this parasite.

CONCLUSION

The finding of this nematode in non-native captive animals shows the imperfection of control in this sphere. A. sidemi could have been introduced to the game farm both with imported or with native animals due to insufficient quarantine and isolation. More wide further research would be useful in the light of control this potentially dangerous parasite.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia Species of Sympatric Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), Fallow Deer (Dama dama), Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in Germany

(1) Background: Wild cervids play an important role in transmission cycles of tick-borne pathogens; however, investigations of tick-borne pathogens in sika deer in Germany are lacking. (2) Methods: Spleen tissue of 74 sympatric wild cervids (30 roe deer, 7 fallow deer, 22 sika deer, 15 red deer) and of 27 red deer from a farm from southeastern Germany were analyzed by molecular methods for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia species. (3) Results: Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia DNA was demonstrated in 90.5% and 47.3% of the 74 combined wild cervids and 14.8% and 18.5% of the farmed deer, respectively. Twelve 16S rRNA variants of A. phagocytophilum were delineated. While the infection rate for A. phagocytophilum among the four cervid species was similar (71.4% to 100%), it varied significantly for Babesia between roe deer (73.3%), fallow deer (14.3%), sika deer (27.3%) and red deer (40.0%). Deer ≤2 years of age tested significantly more often positive than the older deer for both A. phagocytophilum and Babesia species. (4) Conclusions: This study confirms the widespread occurrence of A. phagocytophilum and Babesia species in wild cervids and farmed red deer in Germany and documents the co-occurrence of the two tick-borne pathogens in free-ranging sika deer.

Wild fallow deer (Dama dama) as definitive hosts of Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) in alpine New South Wales

To determine the extent to which wild deer are contributing in the transmission of Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) livers from deer shot by hunters, farmers undertaking population control on their farms and vertebrate pest controllers were collected and frozen. The livers were later thawed, sliced and examined for the presence of adult flukes or evidence of past infection. Livers from 19 deer were examined (18 fallow [Dama dama] and one sambar [Rusa unicolor]). Seventeen of the fallow deer were animals collected on farms near Jindabyne, New South Wales. The remaining fallow deer was collected in the Australian Capital Territory and one sambar deer was collected in north-eastern Victoria. Nine of the 17 deer (53%) from the Jindabyne area were either infected with Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) or had thickened bile ducts indicating past infection. Infection levels in the infected animals varied widely from 3 liver fluke to over 50 per liver. No sign of infection was present in the deer from the Australian Capital Territory or Victoria. Fallow deer are wide-spread in the Jindabyne area and their population is increasing. It is likely their contribution to the maintenance and distribution of F. hepatica to livestock in the Jindabyne area, and in other livestock rearing areas of south-eastern Australia, is important and increasing.

Competitor densities, habitat, and weather: effects on interspecific interactions between wild deer species

There is a growing interest on the potential interplay between weather, habitat, and interspecific competition on population dynamics of wild herbivores. Favorable environmental conditions may buffer the negative effects of competition; conversely, competition may be expected to be stronger under harsh environmental conditions. We investigated relationships between competitor abundance, weather, and habitat cover on density and local distribution of a medium‐sized herbivore, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus, as well as its spatial overlap with fallow deer Dama dama in a Mediterranean protected area. Over 11 years (2007–2017), roe deer density was not affected by spring–summer rainfall in the previous year and decreased with increasing density of fallow deer in the previous year. Hence, over the considered temporal scale, results supported a major role of competition over weather in influencing population trends of roe deer. At a finer spatial scale, roe deer occupancy was negatively affected by local abundance of fallow deer, especially in “poorer” habitats. We found a slight support for a positive effect of fallow deer density on interspecific spatial overlap. Moreover, fine‐scale spatial overlap between deer species increased with decreasing rainfall in spring–summer. Fallow deer were introduced to our study area in historical times and their role as superior competitors over roe deer has been found also in other study areas. We suggest a potential role of harsh weather conditions during the growing season of vegetation (i.e. scarce rainfall) in triggering the potential for ecological overlap, emphasizing the negative effects of interspecific competition.

Sarcocystis morae (Apicomplexa) in Fallow Deer (Dama dama) from Spain: Ultrastructure and New Host Record

Members of the genus Sarcocystis are frequently found infecting members of the family Cervidae. Although Sarcocystis species are generally host specific for their intermediate hosts, species in cervids appear to be less host specific. Here, we report fallow deer (Dama dama) as a new host for Sarcocystis morae, originally described from the red deer (Cervus elaphus). Tongues of 69 legally hunted animals in Spain were tested for sarcocysts, and the species were characterized by light microscopy, ultrastructurally and molecularly. Sarcocysts were identified in 66.7% of D. dama. Sarcocysts had thin (<2 μm thick) cyst wall with hair-like villar protrusions bifurcated at their tips resembling type 8a. Genetic sequences obtained for 18S rRNA and COI reached 99.6-100% and 97.9-98.7% similarity, respectively, to those of S. morae from the red deer. The present study provides new data concerning lower level of host specificity within Sarcocystis genus for cervids.

Interactions between fawns and does of farmed fallow deer Dama dama in the postnatal period

The aim of the present study was to describe the suckling behavior of the offspring of farmed European fallow deer Dama dama in the postnatal period. Video surveillance footage from the first 18 days postpartum was analyzed in detail to reveal that the duration of interactions between the mother and the offspring changed with the fawns' age. The duration of mother-offspring interactions was longest between postpartum days 12 and 18. The frequency of interactions at different times of the day varied in the analyzed periods. The results of the study could be used to increase the welfare of farmed deer.

Development and validation of a fallow deer (Dama dama)-specific TaqMan real-time PCR assay for the detection of food adulteration

The aim of the present study was to develop a real-time PCR assay for the identification and quantification of fallow deer (Dama dama) in food to detect food adulteration. Despite high sequence homology among different deer species, a fallow deer-specific primer/probe system targeting a fragment of the nuclear MC1-R gene was designed. This primer/probe system did not amplify DNA from 19 other animals and 50 edible plant species. Moderate cross-reactivity was observed for sika deer, red deer, roe deer, reindeer and wild boar. The LOD and LOQ of the real-time PCR assay were 0.1% and 0.4%, respectively. To validate the assay, DNA mixtures, meat extract mixtures, meat mixtures and model game sausages were analyzed. Satisfactory quantitative results were obtained when the calibration mixture was similar to the analyzed sample in both the composition and concentration of the animal species of interest.

Deer presence rather than abundance determines the population density of the sheep tick, Ixodes ricinus, in Dutch forests

BACKGROUND

Understanding which factors drive population densities of disease vectors is an important step in assessing disease risk. We tested the hypothesis that the density of ticks from the Ixodes ricinus complex, which are important vectors for tick-borne diseases, is determined by the density of deer, as adults of these ticks mainly feed on deer.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate I. ricinus density across 20 forest plots in the Netherlands that ranged widely in deer availability to ticks, and performed a deer-exclosure experiment in four pairs of 1 ha forest plots in a separate site.

RESULTS

Ixodes ricinus from all stages were more abundant in plots with deer (n = 17) than in plots without deer (n = 3). Where deer were present, the density of ticks did not increase with the abundance of deer. Experimental exclosure of deer reduced nymph density by 66% and adult density by 32% within a timeframe of two years.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, deer presence rather than abundance explained the density of I. ricinus. This is in contrast to previous studies and might be related to the relatively high host-species richness in Dutch forests. This means that reduction of the risk of acquiring a tick bite would require the complete elimination of deer in species rich forests. The fact that small exclosures (< 1 ha) substantially reduced I. ricinus densities suggests that fencing can be used to reduce tick-borne disease risk in areas with high recreational pressure.

Frequency of gastrointestinal and pulmonary helminth infections in wild deer from western Romania

A survey was carried out to assess the prevalence and the intensity of helminth infections in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.), red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and fallow deer (Dama dama L.) from 16 hunting areas in western Romania. Overall, 122 deer shot during the hunting season 2013-2015 were examined. Haemonchus contortus, Nematodirus filicollis, Oesophagostomum venulosum and Dictyocalus spp. were found in all the deer species. Trichuris spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum were found in the roe deer and red deer and Moniezia expansa in roe deer, only. Overall, the prevalences (<35%) and the mean intensities (<20) were quite low in the abomasums and intestine, but H. contortus in fallow deer (>50%). No >2 or 3 helminth species were found in the abomasum, small and large intestine. Lung helminthes in the roe deer and follow deer accounted for 57.1% and 71.4%, respectively. The only specie with a prevalence >50% was in the red deer. D. dendriticum was found in the liver of roe deer and fallow deer.

Timing of Estrus in Fallow Deer Is Adjusted to the Age of Available Mates

The ability to manipulate the timing of ovulation should be a tool available to females during their choice of mates. Females should advance estrus when preferred males are available and delay estrus when only nonpreferred males are available. However, ovulation in some female mammals can be induced by the presence of males. Female estrus could then be either a result of a better stimulus provided by the preferred male or simply manipulation of estrus by the female to reflect her preference. Evidence is therefore required that female estrus coincides with the availability of preferred mating partners, that females actively choose among males, that avoidance of nonpreferred males results in a cost, and that nonpreferred males are in fact capable of reproduction. We observed two experimental groups of fallow deer, one with only socially mature males, and one with subadult but physiologically mature males. Females with mature males conceived earlier (13 of 15 gave birth) than females with subadult males. The former also conceived earlier than they did in the previous year, whereas the latter conceived later (13 of 14 gave birth) than in the previous year. Females avoided subadults more than mature males, and they lost more weight than females with mature males. Because subadult males are capable of reproduction, females not reproducing with them incur two costs: energetic loss and delayed reproduction. Given these costs, we suggest that females receive a benefit from not responding to the advances of young males that would outweigh these costs. This benefit may be to adjust ovulation to the availability of preferred mates.