Characteristics of selected parameters of antlers of the farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) in Poland

Abstract

The aim of the study was to estimate antler parameters (mass, volume, density) of fallow deer (Dama dama) kept in in the Research Station of the Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kosewo Górne. The study involved 25 stags divided into 4 age groups: 2 years old (n=4); 3 years old (n=4); 4 years old (n=12); 5 years old (n=5). Antlers were cut before rutting when animals already rubbed velvet off. The analyses showed the significant differences in the mass and volume between age groups. Mass and volume increase with age while density was levelled.