An overview of establishment of a management system and som most important features of Sika deer production in Huong Song and Quynh Luu districts

Sika deer production in Vietnam has been started since 1920 in Ha Tinh and Nghe An provinces and raised only by rich families. Now Sika deer with of total population of 60 000 heads is raising in 20 provinces. On average, the herd size was small (3-4 heads/family). There was the unique farm where 500 animals are raising. However, no management system had established for Sika deer production. This study aimed to set up a management system for Sika deer production in Ha Tinh and Nghe An. Ear tags made of plastic materials were successfully implemented. A software (Viet deer) and ID system was also developed. It found that nearly 90% of animal was unknown parental, only 4-5% of mating occurred between females in one commune and males in another communes. It meant that there was no planned mating for improvement of deer performance practiced. It is also found that no decrease in velvet production for males which mated with more than 2 females. (Résumé d'auteur