Malnutrition in farmed red deer hinds (Cervus elaphus atlanticus) in Norway

Abstract

Malnutrition was studied in farmed red deer. Malnourished animals did not recover from winter energy loss, remained in poor condition throughout the summer, and some died of starvation. Liver analysis of one hind that died of malnutrition showed selenium and cobalt deficiency. This hind was cachectic and heavily infected with lungworm (Dictyocaulus spp). Serum levels of thirty-three parameters of hinds suffering from malnutrition (n=4) were compared to values from free-ranging reference hinds (n=10). Hinds suffering from malnutrition had significantly higher values (p<0.01) of glutamate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, globulin, alpha 2 globulin, beta globulin, gamma globulin, urea and copper. The farmed hinds, however, had been fed supplementary copper and did not suffer from deficiency. Malnourished hinds had significantly lower values of albumin, creatinine and zinc. These parameters can be used to diagnose malnutrition in red deer hinds. Hinds suffering of malnutrition recovered completely within two months after treatment with 20 mL Becoplex vet® i.m., 10 mL Selenevit vet® i.m. and 10 mL Ivomec® pour-on vet.