SREL Reprint #2371

Multilocus heterozygosity, body condition, and reproductive characteristics in male white-tailed deer fawns

John D. Peles1, Olin E. Rhodes, Jr.2, and Michael H. Smith1,3

1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802
2Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 1159 Forestry Building, Purdue University,
West Lafayette, IN 47907
3Institute of Ecology, Department of Genetics, and School of Forest Resources,
University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Abstract: Multilocus heterozygosity (H), body weight, kidney fat index (KFI), paired testes weight, and paired testes length were determined for 165 male white-tailed deer fawns (Odocoileus virginianus) to examine the association of genetic variability with measures of body condition and reproductive characteristics. No significant association was observed between H and the characteristics examined. H accounted for less than 3% of the variation in all characteristics. The proportion of fawns with testicular spermatozoa did not differ significantly among H classes. Growth rates, based on body weight and estimated age of fawns, also did not differ significantly among H classes. Although H was not associated with fitness related characteristics of male fawns in this study, additional research is necessary to determine how the influence of H changes on a seasonal and yearly basis.

Keywords: heterozygosity; body weight; kidney fat index; testes; spermatozoa; growth; white-tail deer; fawns

SREL Reprint #2371

Peles, J.D., O.E. Rhodes, Jr., and M.H. Smith. 1999. Multilocus heterozygosity, body condition, and reproductive characteristics in male white-tailed deer fawns. The Journal of the Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society 115:91-97.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).