Validating Predictive Models of Nutritional Condition for Mule Deer

• DOI: 10.2193/2006-262
• Publication Date: 2007-08-07T20:49:26Z
• Authors: RACHEL C. COOK; THOMAS R. STEPHENSON; WOODROW L. MYERS; JOHN G. COOK; LISA A. SHIPLEY
• Keywords: Rump; Odocoileus; Subcutaneous fat

Abstract: We developed new, and validated existing, indices of nutritional condition for live dead mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ). Live animal included a body score (BCS), thickness subcutaneous fat selected muscles using ultrasonography, mass. Dead femur, metatarsal, mandible marrow fat, 3 kidney indices, 2 carcass scoring methods. used 21 female 4 castrates (1‐11 yr old) varying widely in (2‐28% ingesta‐free fat). Deer were euthanized homogenized chemical analysis protein, water, ash content. Estimates gross energy (GE) regressed against each indicator regression. Subcutaneous thickness, rump BCS, rLIVINDEX (an arithmetic combination the BCS) most related to animals r ≥ 0.87, P < 0.001) whereas Kistner GE 0.77, 0.001). also evaluated range usefulness sensitivity small changes all models. In general, with moderate or highly curvilinear statistical relations those based on only one depot number ranking scores will have limitations their use. Our results identify robust tools variety research monitoring designs useful evaluating nutrition's effect populations.