Regional Copper Deficiency in White-Tailed Deer
Author(s): Seth T. Rankins, Randy W. DeYoung, Aaron M. Foley, J. Alfonso Ortega-S., Timothy E. Fulbright, David G. Hewitt, Clayton D. Hilton, Landon R. Schofield, and Tyler A. Campbell
Published: January 2023
Minerals are critical in maintaining health and physiological function in wildlife. Geographic variation in soil and forage mineral concentration may predispose wildlife to mineral imbalances, where a common symptom is restricted somatic growth. We investigated if mineral imbalances could explain localized differences in morphology of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) occurring in geographically proximate sites with similar management, climate, and habitat.
Suggested Citation
Rankins, S.T., DeYoung, R.W., Foley, A.M., Ortega-S., J.A., Fulbright, T.E., Hewitt, D.G., Hilton, C.D., Schofield, L.R. and Campbell, T.A. 2023. Regional Copper Deficiency in White-Tailed Deer. Open Journal of Ecology, 13, 9-21. https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2023.131002