Patterns of antler consumption reveal osteophagia as a natural mineral resource in key periods for red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Osteophagia is a common behaviour among ungulates. It has been considered as a mineral source for cervids, mainly related to phosphorus deficiency. In this study, we aimed to study the seasonality in antler consumption of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus) and to assess the differences among sex/age classes. In a game reserve located in South-Eastern Spain, antlers were offered to free-ranging animals, and their chewing behaviour was recorded with camera traps. Red deer was the species observed with greatest frequency (90.5%), and only red deer was observed chewing the offered antlers. Males showed greatest peak of consumption at the end of antler growth; females showed the greatest peak at the beginning of the lactation and calves after delivery of the newborn. All groups showed an important second peak of consumption in September. We conclude that osteophagia might have a role as a natural mineral supplement for red deer, but not for wild boar or foxes; and that each sex/age class uses this resource at different times according to differential needs in calcium and phosphorus, supporting the “seasonally increased requirements hypothesis”.This study was supported by the grant IGA-20172007 (Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech Republic) and PEII-2014-004-P (Consejería de Educación y Deportes de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain).Peer Reviewe