Estimation of the dry matter and crude protein intakes Yeso sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) on the pasture in the Shiretoko Ezoshikafarm

Abstract

Seasonal variations in dry matter intake (DMI) and crude protein intake (CPI) from forage and supplementary feeds were examined in Yeso sika deer stocked on Shiretoko Ezoshikafarm, where captured Yeso sika deer are fed for a short period of time. The herbage mass from pasture were determined nine times in total between June and November based on differences before and after harvesting. The DMI and CPI from forage and supplementary feeds (beet pulp and potato pulp) were determined. At the start of the experiment, 140 deer were fed and then shipped, leaving 80 at the end of the experiment. Dry matter (DM) contents in forage were 22.2-29.7%, showing an increasing trend after September. Crude protein (CP) contents remained at 21-22%DM in June and October and peaked at 25.1% DM in August. DMI and CP I from forage varied seasonally and increased in August and October. Total DMI and CPI from forage and supplementary feeds increased after July, meeting the nutrie nt requirements. Of note, in August and October, the sufficiency rate of CP only from forage was over 90% and excessive from supplementary feeds. Therefore, inexpensive supplementary feeds with a low CP content are acceptable substitutes.