Behaviour of red deer following antler removal with two methods of analgesia

Thermography as a tool to monitor the velvet temperature and ossification stage of fallow deer (Dama dama) antlers under normal and modified photoperiodic conditions

“…This knowledge concerning the ossification is frequently useful on zoo gardens or cervid farms to guarantee the safety of personnel and to prevent lethal accidents during deer fights (Mattiello 2009). Antler cutting dates should be carefully planned to improve the animal welfare, minimise stress and eliminate pain without the need for pharmacological sedation (Cook and Schaefer 2002;Cook et al 2005;Webster and Matthews 2006).…”

“…The seasonal Veterinarni Medicina, 66, 2021 https://doi.org/10.17221/214/2020-VETMED changes in the behaviour of male cervids affect farm personnel and veterinarians because bucks can become more aggressive not only towards other males, but also towards humans. To minimise the relevant risks, fully developed and ossified antlers are often removed in fallow deer and red deer farms (Webster and Matthews 2006;Landete-Castillejos et al 2012). This zootechnical procedure is performed after the complete ossification and velvet shedding of the antlers and is not connected to antler harvesting during the growth period, the so-called pant.…”

The association of brain derived neurotrophic factor gene variants with behaviour traits in sika deer (<i>Cervus nippon</i>)

“…Observations were made outside the paddock from a position that provided a good vantage but did not disturb the subjects. All behaviours were recorded and categorized as either actions or states (Table 1) according to an ethogram devised from existing work in this area (Webster and Matthews, 2006). After observations, blood samples (10 ml) were collected from the jugular vein of each sika deer using vacuum tubes with the anticoagulant ACD, and stored at -20°C.…”