A Limit for Antler Length in Captive Marals

Abstract

SUMMARY:The main aim of this study was to estimate phenotypic correlations among live weight, withers height, rump height, chest depth, chest width, thoracic girth, body length, hip widths (between iliac tuberosities and between ischial tuberosities) and forelimb cannon perimeter with antler length measured during the growth of marals on a Kazakh farm. The data comprised 18 animals studied during their growth (at 18 months and at 24 months). In maral, the first period of antler productivity takes place at the age of 24 months. This fact should be taken into account in order to select the best animals for antler production, which is the main purpose for farming this species.

Study of morphology, chemical, and amino acid composition of red deer meat

“…Antlers are also a source of protein, fat, and mineral elements, such as calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), silicium, phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) [ 11 ]. The substance is also rich in amino acids such as glycine, proline, glutamic acid, lysine, leucine, and threonine [ 12 ]. Maral blood is of great pharmacological value.…”

“…Maral blood is of great pharmacological value. It can be used in the production of medicinal preparation, known as velvet antlers hematogen, for the treatment of nervous breakdown, metabolic disorder, catarrhs, gastritis, anemia, and other conditions [ 12 ]. Dried tails, leg tendons, penis, and 3-4 month embryos are also considered to have therapeutic value [ 13 ].…”

Parasites of farmed marals in Kazakhstan

“…They are large, strong animals: adult deer can be up to 150 cm high and weigh up to 260-330 kg for males and 150-250 kg for females (Korzhikenova et al, 2014). Phylogenetic analysis suggests that red deer should be divided into two species based on the western group from Europe, southern and 45 western Asia and an eastern group from northern Asia and north America.…”