Consumption of Artificial Browse Supplements by Penned White-Tailed Deer

Four experiments with captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) involving 54 adults of both sexes were conducted to establish if a manufactured protein-energy supplement block would be consumed by deer subsisting on winter browse, and, if so, whether this supplement has potential for increasing winter survival. When fed with evergreen and/or hardwood browse, this supplement increased dry matter intakes from 39 to 161 percent. This increase was a result of both supplement ingestion and increased consumption of browse. Apparent digestibility of the food was not increased, but rumen function appeared more normal and the increased nutrient supply to the tissues resulted in decreased tissue catabolism and less weight loss. The use of attractants on the blocks did not consistently speed their acceptance as food. The opportunity for deer to consume a protein-energy supplement, when winter browse is the only other food available, has the potential for reducing weight loss and perhaps reducing death from starvation.