The Composition and Yield of Milk From Captive Red Deer ( Cervus Elaphus L.)

Summary. The gross anatomy of the mammary gland of the red deer is described. A total of 102 milk samples was obtained from six deer (four during a complete lactation). These contained an average of 21·1 % total solids (8·5% fat) in early lactation, rising to 27·1% (13·1% fat) in late lactation. Milk yields were measured by the calf-weighing technique. In well-fed hinds, peak yields of 1400 to 2000 g/day were reached early in lactation. One hind on a restricted food intake gave a maximum of 970 g/day. Lactation continued for 190 to over 280 days. Total yields for the first 150 days were estimated to be 140 to 180 kg in well-fed hinds and 65 kg in the underfed hind. The feed intakes of the hinds rose during late pregnancy, and in early lactation rose again markedly, to a level about 2·4 to 2·6 times the maintenance requirement of non-breeding animals.