Journal article

Publication year: 1995

Pages: 33-43

Journal: Journal of Experimental Zoology

Volume number: 273

Issue number: 1

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.1402730105

Publisher: Wiley: 12 months

Abstract: 

Morphology and histological structure of antlers grown after castration
(performed on March 25) were studied in six young fallow bucks. In the
year after castration, antlerogenesis occurred during the
species‐specific time span, and the shape of the antlers, which remained
permanently in velvet, was normal. During a cold period in
December/January, the distal parts of the antlers suffered from
frostbite and were subsequently detached. The process of sequestration
was similar to that leading to normal antler casting. The sequestration
sites were soon covered with skin, but (limited) regrowth of antler
tissue from the stumps was not observed before late April/early May,
i.e., the time of normal antler regeneration. Simultaneously, growth of
knobby protuberances started on the surface of the antlers. Histological
analysis of biopsies taken on December 20 in the year after castration
revealed that the central parts of the antlers consisted of cancellous
lamellar bone with mainly secondary osteons. Peripheral to this, the
bone tissue (forming the protuberances) was of a more immature nature
and exhibited larger intertrabecular spaces. The outermost layer
consisted of woven bone formed by intramembranous ossification from the
periosteum and was undergoing active growth and remodeling at the time
of biopsy. Thus, bone formation at these sites occurred during a period
when no antler growth is observed in normal fallow bucks. The velvet
covering the bony protuberances was of normal appearance.

Harvard Citation style: Kierdorf, U., Kierdorf, H. and Knuth, S. (1995) Effects of castration on antler growth in fallow deer (Dama dama L.), Journal of Experimental Zoology, 273(1), pp. 33-43. https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.1402730105

APA Citation style: Kierdorf, U., Kierdorf, H., & Knuth, S. (1995). Effects of castration on antler growth in fallow deer (Dama dama L.). Journal of Experimental Zoology. 273(1), 33-43. https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.1402730105