Open AccessThe Feed Requirements of Adult Red Deer
Author(s) -
R. C. Mulley,
M. J. Casey
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
grassland research and practice series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2463-4751
pISSN - 0110-8581
DOI - 10.33584/rps.9.2002.3414
Subject(s) - production (economics) , context (archaeology) , sustainability , pasture , animal welfare , animal production , ecology , business , environmental resource management , agricultural science , geography , biology , zoology , economics , archaeology , macroeconomics
This paper reviews the feeding requirements of adult red deer from nutritional, management and ecological perspectives. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to balance production objectives in the context of ecological sustainability. Topics such as feeding behaviour, feeding management, the relationship of body condition score to nutritional sufficiency, daily and seasonal feed intake requirements, and pasture species selection are also presented. The marketability of venison and the longterm acceptance of deer farming will be largely shaped by consumer perception of the animal welfare implications of production techniques, the ecological impact of production and an industry image that reflects social responsibility. Development of efficient feeding systems for farmed deer will impact on all of these areas.