The Effects of Plant Nutrition on the Diet Quality of White-tailed Deer on Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Abstract

A 2,025 acre experimental area, enclosed by a deer-proof fence and a water barrier, was burned over a 2-year period. Thirteen known deer food plants were collected every two weeks and 30 deer were collected three times between June and January. Rumen content samples were taken. These and the plants were analyzed for levels of calcuim, protein, and phosphorus. Most plant species, including those in the unburned area stay above the maintenance level of 7% protein. Forbs were lower in protein on burned area possibly due to shallow root systems. Calcium levels were continuously above the .09% optimum level on all areas. Phosphorus content never stayed consistenly above the optimum level of .25% on all areas. Levels were slightly higher on the burned areas for this nutrient. Nutrient levels in the rumen were well above the levels required for optimum body condition for the burned area, while in the unburned the levels were lower but near optimum or higher. Burning seemed to show a difference in the deer but not the vegetation.