Food and tooth calcium levels of white-tailed deer.

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to determine the relationship, if any, between calcium content in principal foods and calcium content in teeth of white-tailed deer from seven deer management units in Kansas. Varying degrees of hardness and tooth wear of yearling deer have been noted and speculation on possible correlation between tooth calcium content and dietary calcium content led to this study. Brown (1972) found no significant correlation between calcium content levels of water from major Kansas streams and calcium content of incisor teeth in deer. A review of literature failed to yield references pertaining to calcium levels of incisor teeth in deer, although studies relating dental annuli to age were found. The research was divided into five phases and seven deer management units of Kam,as were studied. Plant samples were collected in the eastern one-third of Kansas. Plant samples from spring, summer and fall seasons were Collected, and food items were distinguished and analyzed. Teeth from yearling white-tailed deer takerl during the 1973 hunting season were studied and plant samples were taken from counties from which tooth samples of deer were obtained. No significant differences in content of calcium in plant samples between the seven management units were found. Three significant differences in levels of tooth calcium between management units were noted. Dietary calcium was considered adequate for normal development of tIle deer population. No correlation between tooth calcium levels and plant calcium levels was noted.