Influence of Oak Mast on Feeding Behaviour of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L)

1991

S. 547-559

4 Abb., 3 Tab., 26 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200041390

Rumen content analysis was used for assessing the autumn and winter diet of red deer in the same forest during 2 successive hunting seasons. This paper compares the results of the second season (with an abundant oa k-mast) to those obtained during the first one. The main conclusions are:- clear relationships exist between time and/or weather conditions and the diet of red deer;- forest fruits such as wild apples, pears and acorns are very important foods for red deer in autumn; corn consumption is reduced when acorns are available;- sedges, grasses and fallen dead leaves (most likely taken from the soil surface) are also important foods, particularly when acorns are scarce;- rape is mostly consumed during cold and snowy periods;- consumption of woody twigs increases dramatically when snow covers the ground.