Winter feeding or autumn feeding of game animals?
Hofmann, R.R.
Tierarztliche Praxis 12(3): 403-421
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0303-6286 PMID: 6388030 Document Number: 232688
Seasonal changes in metabolism and food intake of the larger game animals, with accumulation of energy reserves in autumn, and other forms of adaptation and preparation for winter hardship and food storage, are reviewed. Many references are made to the author's own work. Trials with roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus), using supplementary feeding and/or planted crops to simulate the autumn mast not available in coniferous woodland, are reported. Autumn mast simulation is considered preferable to traditional emergency feeding in winter on physiological grounds and for improvement of game quality and reduction of damage to woodlands.