Deer and Camelids Flashcards
What is the most common type of deer farmed in Australia?
Fallow, followed by red deer (Red deer are most commonly farmed globally)
What are the male, female and young called with regard to Red deer?
Stag, Hind, and Calf
What are the male, female and young called with regard to Fallow deer?
Buck, Doe, and Fawn
What are the main products harvested from deer?
- Venison (meat)
- Velvet (horns)
- Skin
What are the three main temperate species of deer?
- Red
- Elk (Wapiti)
- Fallow
Which is the largest temperate species of deer?
Wapiti (350-450kg)
When should temperate species of deer be weaned?
In Autumn, before the rut (March to July)
What is the main stimulus for antler growth in temperate species?
Photoperiod (longer days)
When is velvet harvested?
Late spring or early summer (before it hardens)
What is buttoning?
When the antler should fall off, except because it has already removed it is only a small antler bud (end of winter or early spring)
How long is the velvet growing season?
3-4 months
What are some characteristic changes that occur within males during the rut?
- Neck Hypertrophy
- “Roar”
- Antler calcification
- Aggressive and territorial behaviour
- 30% body weight loss due to not eating
Describe the breeding behaviour of temperate females
Seasonally polyoestrus governed by photoperiod
Can anyone harvest velvet?
No, it must be carried out under veterinary supervision with appropriate analgesia OR by a farmer accredited through the national velvet accreditation scheme
What is the chemical stimulus for buttoning and antler calcification
- Increased daylight, decreased testosterone, buttoning and new growth
- Decreased daylight, increased testosterone, calcification of antlers
When is most velvet harvested?
October to November
What is the type of camelid found in Australia?
Dromedary (single hump)
Are camelids ruminants?
No, they are pseudo-ruminants
What is the most common South American Camelid in Australia?
Alpaca
What are the two most common types of alpaca found in Australia?
- Huacaya (fluffy)
2. Suri (dreadlocks)
How many times are alpaca sheered per year?
Once (spring)
The gestation length of an Alpaca is similar to what AHPS species?
Horse (11 months)
Are alpacas seasonal breeders?
No, they mate any time of the year
What is alpaca mating age?
Over 12 months, and at least 45kg
