The reproductive biology of female Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1989 |
Authors: |
Chris Wemmer, Tim Halverson, Melissa Rodden, Timothy Portillo |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
estrous cycle, estrus, fecundity, female reproduction, gestation, interbirth interval |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430080107.abs Data for this study came from breeding records of 27 Père David’s (Elaphurus davidianus) hinds maintained in large pastures and from estrous records of four hand-reared nulliparous hinds. The mean estrous cycle length ranged from 17.5 to 19.6 days. Standing estrus resembled that of other cervids, except that a low, moaning vocalization was given in response to contact, and activity (as measured by pedometers) did not increase. Mean gestation length was 183.38 ± SD 6.11 days (n = 21), and nearly all females conceived in the second and third years. The median interbirth interval was 362 days. The median birth date was April 8, and 80% of the births occurred over a 9.5-week period. Multiparous hinds gave birth an average of 20.5 days earlier in the season than primiparous hinds. There was no dimorphism in birth weight. The results are discussed in light of comparative data for other species.