PORCINE ZONA PELLUCIDA IMMUNOCONTRACEPTION: LONG-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS ON WHITE-TAILED DEER

As part of a 9-year study on the contraceptive effects of Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP) on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), we analyzed serum chemistry panels during the first 4 years. This included the first 2 years when does were being actively immunized, and 2 years post-immunization. The chemistry panel was designed to detect pathologies that might result from the immunization of the deer. Blood chemistry results did not suggest any pathological changes resulting from the immunization. Seasonal differences in serum cholesterol were similar in both the control and PZP-treated groups. Seasonal changes in the mean body weights of the treated and control groups reflected an increased weight of the control group in the spring, probably due to pregnancy. However, no statistical difference existed in the fall weights between the 2 groups throughout the 4-year study