Breeding basic knowledge of deer
The sika deer, also known as the Japanese deer, is a medium-sized deer species native to East Asia. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a reddish-brown coat covered in white spots that resemble plum blossoms. The sika deer typically measures 1.3 to 1.5 meters in body length, stands about 0.85 to 1.0 meters tall at the shoulder, and weighs between 80 to 130 kilograms. Its head is rounded, with long facial features, large round eyes, and erect ears. The neck is slender, and the limbs are slim with narrow hooves. A notable feature is the white patch on the rump, which helps distinguish it from other deer species.
Male sika deer possess antlers, which usually have four branches. These antlers grow forward and slightly upward, forming an obtuse angle with the skull. The second branch is often taller than the others, making it easy to confuse with a single-branch antler. Young deer have brighter coats with more pronounced white spots, which fade as they mature.
There are ten recognized subspecies of sika deer, including the South China, Northeast Asian, Mountain Asian, and Sichuan subspecies. Each has slight variations in size, coloration, and habitat preferences.
Sika deer are social animals that live in groups, typically consisting of 20 or more individuals. During the breeding season, groups are composed of one dominant male, several females, and their young. In contrast, non-breeding groups may consist of either males or females. These deer are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. They prefer areas near water sources where food is abundant, and their home range can extend up to 15 kilometers.
As herbivores, sika deer feed on leaves, twigs, and shoots of various plants, including shrubs, trees, and grasses. Their diet is essential for maintaining health and supporting growth, especially during critical life stages such as lactation and antler development.
Breeding occurs seasonally, typically in the fall, with mating taking place between October and November. Bucks become aggressive during this time, often fighting for dominance. After a gestation period of approximately 7.5 to 8 months, does give birth to one fawn, rarely two. Newborns gain weight rapidly in the first few months, then slow down as they mature.
Before starting a sika deer farming project, several preparations are necessary. The location should be dry, well-drained, and away from industrial areas. Deer enclosures need to be spacious, with clean flooring and secure fencing to prevent escape. Essential facilities include a deer house, feed storage, processing rooms, and a veterinary area. Proper feed supply is crucial, with a mix of concentrates, roughage, and green feeds. Disease prevention measures must also be in place, as even though sika deer are generally hardy, they can still be affected by diseases like anthrax and rabies.
When introducing new deer, it's important to select healthy, high-quality animals from reliable sources. Breeding and management practices vary depending on the stage of the deer’s life cycle, from lactation to weaning and antler growth.
Lactating does require special care, including frequent feeding and ensuring that the milk is nutritious. Artificial feeding may be necessary if the doe cannot nurse. As the fawns grow, they gradually transition to solid food, learning to eat grasses and foliage.
For bucks, feeding during the antler growth period is critical. A balanced diet rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins supports rapid antler development. During the breeding season, bucks may become aggressive, so careful management is required to ensure safety and reduce stress.
Overall, successful sika deer farming requires knowledge, preparation, and attention to detail. Understanding the behavior, nutrition, and health needs of these animals is key to raising them successfully in captivity.
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