Light microscopic studies of pedicle and early first antler development in red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Background: Although it is known that deer antlerogenic potential resides in the periosteum of an antlerogenic region and antler forms through modified endochondral ossification, how a deciduous antler forms histologically through a permanent pedicle from the periosteum has not been reported. Methods: Histogenesis of the pedicle and the early first antler in red deer was systematically examined using light microscopy techniques. Results and Conclusions: At the pre‐pedicle stage, the frontal lateral crest (under 5 mm in height) consisted horizontally of antlerogenic periosteum and underlying cancellous bone. Both the cellular layer (3.74 times, P