Out-of-season breeding of captive white-tailed deer

Theriogenology. 2000 Sep 1;54(4):611-9. doi: 10.1016/S0093-691X(00)00376-9.

Abstract

Although techniques to induce out-of-season breeding in deer with exogenous hormones are documented, a successful technique has not been developed for use with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The efficacy of using a combined treatment of melatonin, progesterone, and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin to advance seasonal estrus in captive white-tailed deer was tested. First estrus of 12 treated does (n = 16) occurred at least 57 days sooner than did those of 4 non-treated controls (mid-November). Previous estrus dates were known for 11 does, suggesting that their estrus was advanced by 37 to 119 days (X = 82 days). At first estrus, 12 does were bred to untreated bucks that had velvet-covered or recently polished antlers, resulting in a conception rate of 75%. Two does conceived when bred at second or third estrus. Two does failed to conceive when bred at first estrus and displayed no estrous cycling that year, but conceived out-of-season in subsequent years. These data document that this technique is useful for inducing successful, out-of-season breeding of captive white-tailed deer. Furthermore, we demonstrate that some bucks at our facility have adequate fertility and libido to impregnate does during midsummer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breeding / methods*
  • Deer / physiology*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Estrus / drug effects
  • Female
  • Gonadotropins, Equine / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Melatonin / pharmacology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pregnancy
  • Progesterone / pharmacology
  • Reproduction / drug effects*
  • Seasons
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Gonadotropins, Equine
  • Progesterone
  • Melatonin