2003 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 19-26
To conduct preliminary studies of food conditions for sika deer Cervus nippon in the eastern part of the Tanzawa Mountains, we analysed crude protein (CP), fiber, calories, and in vitro digestible dry matter (DDM) using the rumen fluid of sheep on evergreen broadleaf tree species, deciduous tree species, grass and forbs. Significant positive correlations were found between CP content and neutral detergent solubles {100 - (neutral detergent fiber)} (r = 0.38, n = 114), among fiber contents (r = 0.52 to 0.78, n = 92), between calorie and fiber content (r = 0.36 to 0.48, n = 92) and between CP and DDM (r = 0.49, n = 84). Significant negative correlations were shown between CP and calories (r = -0.42, n = 114), CP and fibers (r = -0.32 to -0.41, n = 114), between DDM and calories (r = -0.31, n = 84), and between DDM and fibers (r = -0.46 to 0.77, n = 84). A predictive equation (r2 > 0.82, p < 0.001) for dry matter digestibility from CP, silica, and fiber composition was developed. We then discussed the nutritional values of several food items for free ranging sika deer and their connection with habitat use.
