Comparative Study of Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Reared in Different Habitats

Abstract

A study of fallow deer reared in enclosures at the „Eledjik“ hunting farm and free-range at the „Studen kladenets“ hunting farm was carried out. Both habitats are at different altitudes and the natural food base differs in terms of grassland, botanical composition and nutritional value. The study included an examination of blood samples from fallow deer’s from both habitats. The following biochemical indicators of the blood were examined: albumin, protein, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. In order to determine the digestibility of the nutrients, samples were taken from the natural meadows and pastures found in the habitats as well as faecal samples tested for: moisture, protein, fat, raw ash and (mineral) and non-nitrogenous extracts. The results show differences between the studied indicators in the two habitats, which are probably due to the differences in the botanical composition of the grass in the natural habitats, as well as to the different composition of the ration used for supplementary feeding.