Erythrocyte Values, and Alimentary Canal pH Values in the Mule Deer

Abstract

Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionius hemionius) on the National Bison Range, Moiese, Montana were shot at monthly intervals as part of another study. It was felt desirable to collect blood and pH data when possible from a wild ruminant in this refuge area. Very little is known about blood values, the pH of the gastro-intestinal tract, and other vital physiological data about our native big game. This investigation was made possible through the cooperation of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Montana Fish and Game Department, and the Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit. The deer were hunted on the range, and care had to be taken to shoot only selected animals. When shot at long range animals bled themselves out. In rocky, hilly country more than 15 minutes may have elapsed between the shooting and our arrival at the carcass. Only those blood samples are included in this report that were collected less than 15 minutes after the animal was shot. Blood was aspirated from the jugular, or other large vein, into sterile, heparinized syringes, and injected into sterile vacuo-tubes. All blood samples were refrigerated immediately upon return from the field. All blood analyses were made in the laboratory on the day following the collection of the sample.