Induction of deer antlers by transplanted periosteum: II. Regional competence for velvet transformation in ectopic skin

The fallow deer develops its first set of antlers at about 1 year of age, but by 6 months the pedicles can be felt protruding from the frontal bones. If the thickened periosteum covering these locations is transplanted beneath the skin elsewhere on the body, it differentiates into a subcutaneous bony nodule which induces the overlying skin to transform into velvet as a small ectopic antler is produced. A survey of different graft sites has shown that skin on the fore and hind legs, hip, forehead, and outer and inner ears can participate in antler induction by undergoing velvet transformation. Tail, back, and nose skins fail to do so.