Supplemental Feed Preferences of the White- tailed Deer Jake Jung, Undergraduate Student (Wildlife and Fisheries), Department of Biology, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN 38505

Introduction Determine the preference of supplemental feed for white-tailed deer. Determine the preference of supplemental feed for white-tailed deer. Deer that use supplemental feed during the winter can have reduced mortality (Baker and Hobbs 1975). Deer that use supplemental feed during the winter can have reduced mortality (Baker and Hobbs 1975). Males use supplemental feed more than females (Bartoskewitz et al. 2003). Males use supplemental feed more than females (Bartoskewitz et al. 2003). Deer weigh more when supplementally fed (Ozoga and Verme 1982). Deer weigh more when supplementally fed (Ozoga and Verme 1982).

Introduction Aflatoxins can accumulate in the body from the usage of corn which can cause liver cancer (Fischer et al. 1995). Aflatoxins can accumulate in the body from the usage of corn which can cause liver cancer (Fischer et al. 1995). Deer that are concentrated around supplemental feeding stations have a higher chance of contracting Bovine tuberculosis (Miller et al. 2003). Deer that are concentrated around supplemental feeding stations have a higher chance of contracting Bovine tuberculosis (Miller et al. 2003).

Objectives/Hypothesis Objective: Determine the feed preference of deer Objective: Determine the feed preference of deer Hypothesis: Deer will use one feed choice over the others. Hypothesis: Deer will use one feed choice over the others. Null Hypothesis: Deer will not show a feed preference Null Hypothesis: Deer will not show a feed preference

Methods and Materials Three different locations in the woods set up with supplemental feed in tube feeders. Three different locations in the woods set up with supplemental feed in tube feeders. First tube contains 25 lbs. of shelled corn, the second feeder will consist of 25 lbs. of corn that is coated in a supplemental feed (Beast Feast) coating, and the third feeder will contain 25 lbs. of Buckola supplemental feed. First tube contains 25 lbs. of shelled corn, the second feeder will consist of 25 lbs. of corn that is coated in a supplemental feed (Beast Feast) coating, and the third feeder will contain 25 lbs. of Buckola supplemental feed. t-Test statistics t-Test statistics Experimental Design Experimental Design

Methods and Materials (Cont.) This experiment will be similar to that of Brigham (2001) in that the preference of the feed shall be determined. This experiment will be similar to that of Brigham (2001) in that the preference of the feed shall be determined.

Methods and Material (cont.) Table 1.1 shows an experimental design for the research for the supplemental feed project Table 1.1 shows an experimental design for the research for the supplemental feed project Table 1.1 White-tailed Deer Experimental Design Table 1.1 White-tailed Deer Experimental Design Question Do deer prefer supplemental feed over corn? Problem Deer need food to survive. Hypothesis The hypothesis is that the deer will prefer supplemental feeds over that of shelled corn. The null hypothesis is that deer will not show any food preferences. Experimental Design The experiment will involve using tube feeders to hold the feed. The feeders with different types of feed will be located in close proximity to each other and will contain the same volume of food. The experiment will be repeated several times with the feeders being refilled once all of the feed is gone from all of the tube feeders at that particular site. Three different locations will be set up to monitor the preferences of the deer. The first two sites will be monitored continuously with cameras to observe the deer’s preferences. The third location will periodically be observed by the researcher. Conclusion Deer will show a preference to food, when given a choice.

Results The Buckola supplemental feed was the most preferred The Buckola supplemental feed was the most preferred The corn coated with Beast Feast was the second most preferred The corn coated with Beast Feast was the second most preferred The corn by itself was the least preferred food choice The corn by itself was the least preferred food choice Feed usage decreased as plants greened out in the spring Feed usage decreased as plants greened out in the spring

Results (cont.) Table 1.2 shows the feed amounts consumed at each feeding station. Table 1.2 shows the feed amounts consumed at each feeding station. Feed Usage by the White-tailed Deer Table 1.2 Corn Corn with Beast Feast Buckola Supplental Feed Camera 1 27 lbs (12.25 kg) 39 lbs (17.70 kg) 50 lbs (22.68 kg) Camera 2 43 lbs (19.50 kg) 62 lbs (28.12 kg) 75 lbs (34.00 kg) Personal Viewing 8 lbs (3.63 kg) 18 lbs (8.16 kg) (8.16 kg) 25 lbs (11.34 kg) Total 78 lbs (35.38 kg) 119 lbs (53.98 kg) (53.98 kg) 150 lbs (63.04 kg)

Results (cont.) Figure 1.1 shows a graph that displays the difference in each type of feed that was consumed. Figure 1.1 shows a graph that displays the difference in each type of feed that was consumed. Figure 1.1 Figure 1.1

Discussion Reasons for Supplemental Feed preferences Reasons for Supplemental Feed preferences  High protein content  Sweet smell  Sweet taste  Higher palatability

Discussion (cont.) I accepted my hypothesis (Deer would show a feed preference) I accepted my hypothesis (Deer would show a feed preference) Deer showed on preference for Buckola supplemental feed over that of the corn. Deer showed on preference for Buckola supplemental feed over that of the corn.

Discussion (cont.) Non-targeted animals were also present and showed similar preferences as the white-tailed deer Non-targeted animals were also present and showed similar preferences as the white-tailed deer

Discussion (cont.) Deer will use supplemental feed more often in severe winters (Doenier et al. 1997) Deer will use supplemental feed more often in severe winters (Doenier et al. 1997) Recommend feeding deer until vegetation begins to grow in the spring (Baker and Hobbs 1975) Recommend feeding deer until vegetation begins to grow in the spring (Baker and Hobbs 1975) Deer will use supplemental feed more often in severe winters (Doenier et al. 1997) Deer will use supplemental feed more often in severe winters (Doenier et al. 1997) Males use more supplemental feed than do females (Bartoskewitz et al. 2003) Males use more supplemental feed than do females (Bartoskewitz et al. 2003)

Summary and Conclusions Final Results Final Results  Buckola was the most preferred Further Research Further Research  What ingredients in the feed make it more attractive.  Do male and female deer have different preferences

Questions? Questions?