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Effect of Pinealectomy on Seasonal Androgen Titers, Antler Growth and Feed Intake in White-Tailed Deer¹

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802

Abstract

A 1-year experiment was conducted to determine the role of the pineal gland in the seasonal sexual, antler development and feeding patterns of deer. Three mature male white-tailed deer were pinealectomized. These animals along with four normal bucks were housed in individual outdoor pens. Blood samples were drawn bi-weekly and analyzed for calcium and phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and total androgens. Changes in antler growth, pelage, body weight and feed consumption were recorded.

Both groups of deer followed the same pattern of increased body weight and feed consumption in the summer and a decline during rut and throughout the following winter months. While the feed consumptions of the ablated bucks were lower (P<.05) than the controls, the intakes of DDM/BW^.75_kg and DE/ BW^.75_kg were not different. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was lower in the ablated animals, and it did not peak in early antler growth as it did in the controls. Serum androgens were lower in the ablated deer but followed the same seasonal pattern as the intact deer with an annual low in May and a peak in late November. The pinealectomized bucks shed their velvet later and dropped their antlers earlier than the control deer. Pelage changes were slightly altered. A pair of twin bucks raised in normal daylight until pinealectomized and sham operated exhibited more striking differences. The former buck shed its antlers 5 months later than normal. It is suggested that the pineal gland functions in the organization of the first antler, sexual and feeding cycle of young deer and then only slightly modifies these cycles in mature deer.

¹ Authorized for publication as Paper No. 5357 in the Journal Series of the Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Present address: College of Agriculture, Texas A and I University, Kingsville 78363.

³ Department of Dairy and Animal Science.

⁴ Department of Veterinary Science.