Effect of calving advance on milk production and composition, and calf growth in Iberian deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus)

Published research on advancing calving in deer shows that this results in greater weights at the end of the first year, although milk production or composition has not been assessed. A group of advanced calving (25 March 2000±3.8 days, six hinds, group M), and a standard calving date group (11 June 2000±1.5 days, six hinds, group J) of Iberian deer were monitored to examine the effects of advancing calving on milk and growth variables. A GLM showed a difference between groups in the time course of total milk production. Regarding composition, groups differed in milk fat (P<0.05) and the time course of protein was different but not as large as to be detectable when comparing mean content by ANOVAs. Hinds of the M group gained weight, whereas those in group J lost it (P