Concentration of Macroelements and Trace Elements in Farmed Fallow Deer Antlers Depending on Age

Simple Summary The mineral content of the antler bone is one of the determinants of its mechanical strength, which directly affects success in competition with rivals. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the concentration of five macroelements (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na) and nine trace elements (Li, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo) in three characteristic antler sections, depending on the age of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama). The highest mean concentrations of macroelements (except K) were recorded in the youngest animals. With age and distance from the skull, Ca, P, Mg and Na contents decreased, while K increased. Higher mean concentrations of most trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn) were recorded in 3-year-old fallow deer in the distal antler positions. With an increase in the age, body mass and antler mass of farmed fallow deer, the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Mn, Cu and Zn decreased in the studied tissue, whereas the Li concentration increased. There was a directly proportional relationship between the age and body mass of the animals, age and antler mass, and body mass and antler mass. The mineral content of the antlers reflects the nutritional status and specific stage of bone growth in cervid males. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Li, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo in three characteristic antler positions selected based on the observation of fights between males. These were compared between farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) of different ages. The mineral compositions of tissues were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The highest mean concentrations of macroelements (except K) were recorded in the youngest animals aged 2 or 3 years in the proximal position of the antlers. With age and distance from the skull, Ca, P, Mg and Na contents decreased, while K increased. Higher mean concentrations of most trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn) were recorded in 3-year-old animals in antler distal positions. With an increase in the age, body mass and antler mass of fallow deer, the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Mn, Cu and Zn decreased (-0.414 <= R <= -0.737, p < 0.05) in the studied tissue, whereas Li increased (0.470 <= R <= 0.681, p < 0.05). The obtained results confirm that the antlers' chemical composition changes with age, also changing the Ca:P ratio.

Automated summary

This study aimed to analyze the concentration of various macro and trace elements in three characteristic antler sections of farmed fallow deer of different ages. The results showed that with increasing age, most mineral elements decreased in concentration in the antlers, except for lithium which increased.