Mule Deer antlers
Feb 1, 2019 11:19:02 #
bjnman
Loc: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
I was out taking some pictures of critters and ran into this buck. His antlers are deformed and look to be still in felt. I assume he has some kind of antler disease ? Other than that he looks healthy. Anyone see something like this? I never have. I added a couple of his normal buddies just because .
Feb 1, 2019 15:09:09 #
bjnman wrote:
I was out taking some pictures of critters and ran into this buck. His antlers are deformed and look to be still in felt. I assume he has some kind of antler disease ? Other than that he looks healthy. Anyone see something like this? I never have. I added a couple of his normal buddies just because .
I’ve seen it in some European & Asian Deer varieties, and I have friends who tell me this occasionally happens with North American Whitetails, too. The most likely cause of this deer having deformed (non-typical) antlers still in velvet at such a late time, is a low testosterone level, potentially caused by an injury.
Without being too indelicate, I took a quick look at the rear end of your buck and I believe he may have been gored or bitten back there... ouch! 😖
Feb 1, 2019 15:55:08 #
This condition in whitetail bucks that results in antlers in velvet beyond the normal velvet-shedding date of late August to early September is usually caused by a birth defect known as cryptorchidism. In extreme cases both testicles remain in the abdominal cavity and never descend into the scrotum. The normal production of testosterone is diminished, and the antler cycle of hardening, velvet shedding, and antler casting is altered. These same results can sometimes be produced in a buck that is born normal but subsequently suffers a testicular injury.
In normal bucks, a rise in testosterone levels occurs in late summer with increasing day length. A buck responding to late summer’s photoperiod (exposure to daylight) experiences a change in behavior due to the sudden elevation in testosterone in his system. The bachelor groups that have been together since early the previous winter begin to separate due to more aggressive attitudes among the individuals. Antlers harden, the velvet is shed, and bucks continue to rub their antlers (and forehead glands) on bushes and small trees as a means of scent communication known as signpost behavior. As days begin to get shorter, a buck’s testosterone level declines. Their antlers are shed, and the bucks become much less aggressive, and bachelor groups form again. Having lost his protective headgear, a buck has obvious survival advantages in being a member of a bachelor group
Cryptorchid bucks are different. They don’t participate in the seasonal rituals of normal bucks. Because their testosterone levels remain low in early fall, their antler development is not completed, and their velvet is not shed. Cryptorchid bucks don’t participate in signpost behavior by making rubs or scrapes. They lack the chemical stimulation to express their dominance and individualism. The tarsal glands of cryptorchid bucks are rarely stained because the bucks do not rub-urinate. Also, the necks of cryptorchid bucks do not swell as the breeding season approaches. Reproductively, they are in neutral. Antlers are not shed, and they remain in velvet year round. Furthermore, the antlers continue to grow as the animal matures.
Very old cryptorchid bucks often have numerous abnormal points giving them a “cactus” appearance. Also, enlarged antler bases are characteristic of older, cryptorchid bucks.... Not my words.... Tom
In normal bucks, a rise in testosterone levels occurs in late summer with increasing day length. A buck responding to late summer’s photoperiod (exposure to daylight) experiences a change in behavior due to the sudden elevation in testosterone in his system. The bachelor groups that have been together since early the previous winter begin to separate due to more aggressive attitudes among the individuals. Antlers harden, the velvet is shed, and bucks continue to rub their antlers (and forehead glands) on bushes and small trees as a means of scent communication known as signpost behavior. As days begin to get shorter, a buck’s testosterone level declines. Their antlers are shed, and the bucks become much less aggressive, and bachelor groups form again. Having lost his protective headgear, a buck has obvious survival advantages in being a member of a bachelor group
Cryptorchid bucks are different. They don’t participate in the seasonal rituals of normal bucks. Because their testosterone levels remain low in early fall, their antler development is not completed, and their velvet is not shed. Cryptorchid bucks don’t participate in signpost behavior by making rubs or scrapes. They lack the chemical stimulation to express their dominance and individualism. The tarsal glands of cryptorchid bucks are rarely stained because the bucks do not rub-urinate. Also, the necks of cryptorchid bucks do not swell as the breeding season approaches. Reproductively, they are in neutral. Antlers are not shed, and they remain in velvet year round. Furthermore, the antlers continue to grow as the animal matures.
Very old cryptorchid bucks often have numerous abnormal points giving them a “cactus” appearance. Also, enlarged antler bases are characteristic of older, cryptorchid bucks.... Not my words.... Tom
Feb 11, 2019 11:19:56 #
bjnman
Loc: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
thanks I was concerned that some kind of disease was in the herd - intresting now know Thanks again
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.