Effects of seasonality on male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) reproductive characteristics

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate reproductive characteristics of white-tailed deer (WTD) bucks early in the breeding season (SEPT), at peak rut (DEC), and late season (MAR). Deer farming is an emerging industry in the United States with dissemination of superior genetics relying on the ability to evaluate bucks and freeze semen. Despite cervid reproduction being strongly influenced by season, there is limited information available on how this affects semen quality, testicle size, or accessory sex glands in WTD.