Journal article

Publication year: 2004

Pages: 121-126

Journal: European Journal of Wildlife Research

Volume number: 50

Issue number: 3

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-004-0056-x

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 

A case of pedicle and antler abnormality in a 12–14 year old sika stag
shot in January 2003 in Schleswig-Holstein (Germany) is presented. The
abnormality combines fusion of pedicles and antler bases with subsequent
double-head formation. Double-heads result from growth of new antler
bone without casting of the previous hard antlers. In consequence, two
consecutively formed antlers are present in an individual. The stag’s
skull showed a plate-like osseous structure whose broad and slightly
elevated central portion was identified as the fused pedicles. The
peripheral parts of this osseous plate constituted the second antler
growth of the (former) double-head. A cast pair of antlers, which were
fused at their bases, had been found in a neighbouring hunting district
in the summer of 2002. The close fit between the casting surface of the
fused antlers and the surface of the pedicle/antler structure on the
stag’s skull indicated that the antlers had been grown by this stag and
were belatedly cast from his fused pedicles. The fused antlers thus
constituted the first antler growth of the double-head. We suppose that
the broad connection between the fused antlers and the fused pedicles
prevented antler casting at the normal time and thereby caused the
double-head condition. The presentation of this antler abnormality is
taken as an occasion to discuss the significance of pedicles for the
normal casting and regeneration of antlers.

Harvard Citation style: Kierdorf, U., Lutz, W. and Kierdorf, H. (2004) Pedicle and antler fusion and double-head formation in a sika stag (Cervus nippon), European Journal of Wildlife Research, 50(3), pp. 121-126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-004-0056-x

APA Citation style: Kierdorf, U., Lutz, W., & Kierdorf, H. (2004). Pedicle and antler fusion and double-head formation in a sika stag (Cervus nippon). European Journal of Wildlife Research. 50(3), 121-126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-004-0056-x