The rhythmic relation between antler and bone porosity in Danish deer

Abstract

The interrelationship between porosity of antlers and metacarpal bones and annual physiologic osteopenia has been investigated in mature Danish male Roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus). The study shows a highly significant inverse correlation between porosity in the antlers and porosity in the metacarpal bones, indicating a necessary calcium mobilization from the bones for the mineralization of the antlers. The investigation further suggests that the decreasing porosity of the antlers throughout the antler period, reaching very low values, may be the cause of antler shedding.