135 Vitamin E and Selenium Effects on White-tailed Deer Conception Success in Artificial Insemination Programs

Abstract

Abstract The white-tailed deer breeding industry has developed into a $1.6 billion-dollar annual sector. However, even with this rapidly growing industry, little is known concerning certain mineral requirements for deer raised in confinement and their conception success. Previous research has suggested that white-tailed does are more apt to conceive with elevated circulating levels of zinc, vitamin E, and selenium. This research project consisted of ninety-three does on standard confinement diets, supplemented with only a single dose of Zn, Se, Mn, and Cu via MultiMin at the time of CIDR input. Supplementation of MultiMin was fixed across all animals in the study. These does were assessed by drawing blood at the time of artificial insemination (AI). Whole blood and serum samples were analyzed for micromineral levels (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn) and fat-soluble metabolites (vitamin A, vitamin E, and cholesterol) at Texas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and analyzed using PROC REG in SAS. Conception success was determined by the does conceiving a fawn from from artificial insemination procedure which was verified via genetic testing of the fawn. It was found that the model containing the main effects vitamin E, zinc, and selenium along with their interactions of vitamin E by Zn and Se by Zinc was significant (P < 0.05; R2=0.15) on positively affecting conception success from artificial insemination. In particular, a tendency was detected in the relationship of vitamin E and selenium (P < 0.1). In post hoc analysis, parameter estimates from the regression were used, and selenium fixed at a level of 144 ng/mL is the point at which supplemental vitamin E has positive effects on conception from AI. This model shows that both vitamin E and selenium are required at higher levels than previously thought in confinement-reared white-tailed deer with intensive breeding programs. With further research using vitamin E and selenium, the mineral requirements of white-tailed deer in confinement can be better understood and aide producers in reproductive efficiency in their captive deer herds.