Which nutrient demand peaks most severely for bucks during the spring and summer, and for does during late-stage pregnancy and lactation?
Answer
Protein
Protein is the non-negotiable nutrient driving the highest physiological demands during specific periods of the deer's annual cycle. For males (bucks), protein demands spike dramatically during the spring and summer months when they are actively developing antlers; inadequate protein can severely limit antler mass, with a 16 percent diet yielding much larger antlers than an 8 percent diet. For females (does), the requirement peaks during late-stage pregnancy and especially during lactation, as milk production is cited as the single most demanding physiological event in terms of nutrient requirements. Replenishing protein is crucial for both processes of rapid tissue and fluid synthesis.
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