engleski

Temporary growth arrest during the antler cycle in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.)

Antlers are bony appendages that grow each year in male deer species, except for the reindeer were females also carry antlers. Each year, antlers are casted and re-grown in the process called antler growth cycle, being by that the only mammalian appendage that can fully regenerate. During the winter 2004 on the area of Garjevica we found several casted red deer antlers with peculiar constriction approximately 6 to 11 cm from the coronet, indicating early growth disruption. Constrictions were of symmetrical nature. After approximately 5 cm of reduced growth, antler beam resumes normal diameter but not the normal growth pattern. The antlers in question were subjected to x-ray and CT analysis, which revealed no specific structure alterations, therefore excluding mechanically induced growth arrest. Red deer on this area are regularly fed during the winter-time ; by that excluding nutritional factors as possible cause for this condition. Data on local maximum and minimum temperature for each day during January, February and March of 2003 indicates constant low temperature in February (average maximum value for the first decade was 1.59 oC, average minimum was -5.2 oC ; second decade 0.32 oC and -5.89 oC ; third decade 6.5 oC, and -4.4 oC). The observed early onset of the antler growth during the February of 2003 and constant low temperature points on possible effect of cold environment on antler blood flow, metabolic changes, and local synthesis of biologically active molecules.

red deer; antlers; antler growth cycle; temporary growth arrest

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