formosan sambar deer (fsd) cervus unicolor swinhoeicervus unicolor swinhoei native subspecies in...

Formosan Sambar Deer (FSD)Formosan Sambar Deer (FSD)

• Cervus unicolor swinhoeiCervus unicolor swinhoei

• native subspecies in Taiwannative subspecies in Taiwan• The deer are domesticated by The deer are domesticated by

controlling their breeding pattern, controlling their breeding pattern, allowing the farmers to exploit allowing the farmers to exploit them for the production of velvet them for the production of velvet antler.antler.

Tropical

Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor)Rusa deer (Cervus timorensis)Chital deer (Axis axis)

Asher et al., 1997; Mylrea et al., 1999

0

20 S

20 N

40 N

40 S

TemperateRed deer (Cervus elaphus)Fallow deer (Dama dama)Sika deer (Cervus nippon)

1. loosely breeding patterns or completely aseasonal1. loosely breeding patterns or completely aseasonal2. generally seasonally polyestrous and calve in summer2. generally seasonally polyestrous and calve in summer

IntroductionIntroduction

Sambar Deer Sambar Deer in New Zealandin New Zealand

• Sambar deer attained puberty at 7–19 month, had Sambar deer attained puberty at 7–19 month, had a mean estrous cycle of 17.2 ± 0.3 day, with a a mean estrous cycle of 17.2 ± 0.3 day, with a lower expression of seasonality.lower expression of seasonality.

• Sambar deer demonstrated rutting behavior in Sambar deer demonstrated rutting behavior in May/June and fawning in April/May.May/June and fawning in April/May.

Asher et al., 1997

Semiadi et al., 1999

Formosan Sambar DeerFormosan Sambar Deer

• Little information is available in literature Little information is available in literature regarding the reproductive traits in FSD.regarding the reproductive traits in FSD.

• The aim of this study was to document general The aim of this study was to document general reproductive performance and fawn mortality of reproductive performance and fawn mortality of FSD in 4 semi-domesticated herds over a 2-4 years FSD in 4 semi-domesticated herds over a 2-4 years interval.interval.

Materials and MethodsMaterials and Methods

• Data were obtained from 4 semi-Data were obtained from 4 semi-domesticated sambar deer farms in domesticated sambar deer farms in Nantou County (23Nantou County (232828N to 24N to 242020N, N, 120120E).E).

• A total of 210 adult females FSD aging A total of 210 adult females FSD aging from 2.5 to 10 yr, from 4 sambar herds from 2.5 to 10 yr, from 4 sambar herds (size ranging from 80 to 200 deer) were (size ranging from 80 to 200 deer) were used for the analysis.used for the analysis.

• Adult hinds and stags were penned in the same area, in individual Adult hinds and stags were penned in the same area, in individual pens 3 × 2.5 × 3 m. Once estrus was detected by a teaser, the hind was pens 3 × 2.5 × 3 m. Once estrus was detected by a teaser, the hind was mated in a designated mating pen twice for 1 day. mated in a designated mating pen twice for 1 day.

• After fawning, the fawn was kept with the hind in the same pen until After fawning, the fawn was kept with the hind in the same pen until natural weaning.natural weaning.


• Estrous cycle and Gestation:Estrous cycle and Gestation: The intervals between two successive matings and The intervals between two successive matings and

from the last day of mating to fawning.from the last day of mating to fawning.

• Fawning interval:Fawning interval: the period between two consecutive fawnings.the period between two consecutive fawnings.

• Lactation period:Lactation period: period from fawning to natural weaningperiod from fawning to natural weaning


• All data were analyzed SAS version 9.1 for All data were analyzed SAS version 9.1 for Windows (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).Windows (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).

Student’s t-testStudent’s t-test One-way ANOVAOne-way ANOVA Tukey’s testTukey’s test The normal approximation to the binomial testThe normal approximation to the binomial test Chi-square testChi-square test Fisher’s exact testFisher’s exact test

• PP < 0.05 was regarded as significant< 0.05 was regarded as significant

Table 1Table 1Average reproductive parameters of farmed FSD hinds in Average reproductive parameters of farmed FSD hinds in subtropical Taiwansubtropical Taiwan

End pointEnd point No.No. Mean ± SEMMean ± SEM

Length of estrous cycle (d)Length of estrous cycle (d) 5656 18.2 ± 0.518.2 ± 0.5

Gestation period (d)Gestation period (d) 160160 258.6 ± 0.3258.6 ± 0.3

Fawning interval (d)Fawning interval (d) 122122 369.6 ± 2.3369.6 ± 2.3

Lactation periodLactation period** (d) (d) 5252 85.1 ± 1.385.1 ± 1.3

ResultsResults

* * A substantial difference between farmsA substantial difference between farms

Fig. 1. Distribution of 494 matings in FSD Fig. 1. Distribution of 494 matings in FSD hinds. Matings mostly occurred between July hinds. Matings mostly occurred between July and October (93.1%, and October (93.1%, PP< 0.05), with a peak in < 0.05), with a peak in August (32.8%).August (32.8%).

Pregnancy rate: 64.4% per mating

Season distributions of breeding and fawningSeason distributions of breeding and fawning

Fig. 2. Distribution of 318 fawnings in FSD Fig. 2. Distribution of 318 fawnings in FSD hinds. Fawnings mostly occurred between hinds. Fawnings mostly occurred between March and June (90.1%, March and June (90.1%, PP< 0.05), with a < 0.05), with a peak in May (35.2%).peak in May (35.2%).

Table 2Table 2Average reproductive parameters of farmed FSD hinds in Average reproductive parameters of farmed FSD hinds in subtropical Taiwansubtropical Taiwan

End pointEnd point No.No. % or ratio% or ratioFawning performanceFawning performance

Sex ratio of fawns (M/F)Sex ratio of fawns (M/F) 179/141179/141 1.3:1*1.3:1*

TwinningTwinning 2/3202/320 0.63%0.63%

Postnatal mortalityPostnatal mortality 2121##/320/320 6.6%6.6%

Pre-weaning fawn mortalityPre-weaning fawn mortality 7.8%7.8%

ResultsResults

* P * P < 0.05< 0.05# 28.6% due to dystocia# 28.6% due to dystocia

HindHind SeasonSeason Delay Delay time*time*

(hours)(hours)

Categories of Categories of hind’s BCShind’s BCS

Fawn characteristicsFawn characteristics OutcomeOutcome Causes of dystociaCauses of dystocia

SexSex Weight,Weight,kg kg

HindHind FawnFawn

PrimiparousPrimiparous11 Sep.Sep. > 24> 24 3.53.5 MaleMale 6.06.0 DeadDead DeadDead Maternal immaturityMaternal immaturity22 Apr.Apr. > 12> 12 3.53.5 MaleMale 8.68.6 SurvivedSurvived DeadDead Fetopelvic disproportionFetopelvic disproportion33 Jun.Jun. 44 33 FemaleFemale 5.55.5 SurvivedSurvived SurvivedSurvived Foetal malpositionFoetal malposition

MultiparousMultiparous11 Mar.Mar. > 24> 24 3.53.5 MaleMale 7.77.7 Survived Survived DeadDead Maternal excitement (Hu)Maternal excitement (Hu)22 Mar.Mar. > 48> 48 33 MaleMale 5.85.8 DeadDead DeadDead Maternal excitement (Hu)Maternal excitement (Hu)33 Aug.Aug. > 12> 12 3.53.5 MaleMale 5.55.5 SurvivedSurvived DeadDead Maternal excitement (typhoon)Maternal excitement (typhoon)44 Jun.Jun. > 6> 6 2.52.5 MaleMale 7.57.5 DeadDead DeadDead KetosisKetosis55 MayMay > 24> 24 4.54.5 MaleMale 8.48.4 SurvivedSurvived DeadDead Foetal malpositionFoetal malposition66 Jul.Jul. > 24> 24 33 MaleMale ?? SurvivedSurvived DeadDead Foetal malpositionFoetal malposition77 Apr.Apr. > 24> 24 3.53.5 MaleMale 7.47.4 SurvivedSurvived DeadDead Fetopelvic disproportionFetopelvic disproportion88 MayMay > 24> 24 3.53.5 MaleMale 5.85.8 SurvivedSurvived DeadDead Maternal excitement (Hu)Maternal excitement (Hu)99 MayMay > 24> 24 33 MaleMale 5.35.3 SurvivedSurvived DeadDead Foetal malpositionFoetal malposition1010 Aug.Aug. 66 3.53.5 MaleMale 7.47.4 SurvivedSurvived SurvivedSurvived Maternal excitement (storm)Maternal excitement (storm)1111 MayMay 4.54.5 33 MaleMale 6.36.3 SurvivedSurvived SurvivedSurvived Maternal excitement (Hu)Maternal excitement (Hu)1212 Jun.Jun. > 24> 24 44 MaleMale 7.47.4 SurvivedSurvived DeadDead Maternal excitement (Hu)Maternal excitement (Hu)1313 Apr.Apr. > 8> 8 3.53.5 MaleMale ?? DeadDead DeadDead Uterine ruptureUterine rupture1414 Mar.Mar. 66 3.53.5 FemaleFemale 6.56.5 SurvivedSurvived SurvivedSurvived Maternal excitement (Hu)Maternal excitement (Hu)1515 MayMay > 24> 24 4.54.5 FemaleFemale 8.18.1 SurvivedSurvived DeadDead Foetal malpositionFoetal malposition1616 MayMay 33 4.54.5 MaleMale 7.67.6 SurvivedSurvived SurvivedSurvived Maternal excitement (Hu)Maternal excitement (Hu)1717 MayMay > 48> 48 3.53.5 MaleMale 6.76.7 DeadDead DeadDead Twin birthTwin birth1818 Aug.Aug. 55 33 FemaleFemale 6.06.0 SurvivedSurvived SurvivedSurvived Foetal malpositionFoetal malposition1919 Mar.Mar. > 24> 24 44 MaleMale 6.16.1 SurvivedSurvived DeadDead Failure of cervix to dilateFailure of cervix to dilate

Table 3 Occurrences of dystocia in 22 cases of FSD hinds from 19 farms in TaiwanTable 3 Occurrences of dystocia in 22 cases of FSD hinds from 19 farms in Taiwan

* from the initiation of parturition to veterinary assistance* from the initiation of parturition to veterinary assistanceHu = human-caused disturbanceHu = human-caused disturbance

Causes of dystocia Causes of dystocia Number of case Number of case

(n=22)(n=22)

Maternal excitement related to Maternal excitement related to environmental stressenvironmental stress 99

Foetal malposition Foetal malposition 66

Fetopelvic disproportionFetopelvic disproportion 22

Failure of cervix to dilateFailure of cervix to dilate 11

Hind diseaseHind disease 11

Uterine ruptureUterine rupture 11

Twin birthTwin birth 11

Maternal immaturityMaternal immaturity 11

totaltotal 2222

Table 4 Causes of dystocia in FSD hinds in TaiwanTable 4 Causes of dystocia in FSD hinds in Taiwan

DiscussionsDiscussions

• This is the first report of reproductive This is the first report of reproductive performance in female FSD. performance in female FSD.

• FSD apparently had a similar pattern of estrous FSD apparently had a similar pattern of estrous cycle lengths, in comparison with larger bodied cycle lengths, in comparison with larger bodied species, such as sambar deer in New Zealand, species, such as sambar deer in New Zealand, wapiti, red deer, and fallow deer.wapiti, red deer, and fallow deer.

• In the present study, the pattern of estrous cycle in In the present study, the pattern of estrous cycle in hinds could have been favored by the year-round hinds could have been favored by the year-round presence of stags.presence of stags.


• As hand breeding started in June and was As hand breeding started in June and was significantly concentrated in July/October significantly concentrated in July/October (93.1%), fawning occurred from February to (93.1%), fawning occurred from February to September, and was significantly concentrated in September, and was significantly concentrated in March/June (90.1%).March/June (90.1%).

• Gestation: 258.6 ± 0.3 days vs 249-284 days.Gestation: 258.6 ± 0.3 days vs 249-284 days.– Gender of the fawn had no significant effect on Gender of the fawn had no significant effect on

gestation lengthgestation length (259.2 ± 0.5 days vs 258.1 ± 0.4 days).(259.2 ± 0.5 days vs 258.1 ± 0.4 days).


• The mean fawning interval of FSD was different The mean fawning interval of FSD was different from the previous report in New Zealandfrom the previous report in New Zealand (369.6 ± (369.6 ± 2.3 2.3 days vs 329 ± 29.7 days), which might be days vs 329 ± 29.7 days), which might be related to different breeding management and related to different breeding management and weaning program.weaning program.

• Based on the present study, farmed FSD could Based on the present study, farmed FSD could achieve yearly breeding. achieve yearly breeding.


• Neonatal mortality and pre-weaning fawn Neonatal mortality and pre-weaning fawn mortality were relatively low.mortality were relatively low.

• We inferred that management factors, such as We inferred that management factors, such as nutrition, appropriate shelter, and long-term nutrition, appropriate shelter, and long-term lactation (85.1 ± 1.3 d), may enable the rearing of lactation (85.1 ± 1.3 d), may enable the rearing of FSD fawns to achieve optimal results in Taiwan. FSD fawns to achieve optimal results in Taiwan.


• The low natural twinning rate in FSD meant that The low natural twinning rate in FSD meant that multiple breeding was not the major determinant, multiple breeding was not the major determinant, but high reproductive efficiencies (pregnancy but high reproductive efficiencies (pregnancy rates of 64.4% per mating and survival rate of rates of 64.4% per mating and survival rate of >92% for offspring) enhanced fecundity.>92% for offspring) enhanced fecundity.

• Interestingly, the male/female ratio (1.3:1) of Interestingly, the male/female ratio (1.3:1) of fawns at birth differed significantly from the equal fawns at birth differed significantly from the equal ratio. In terms of commercial strategies, this trend ratio. In terms of commercial strategies, this trend should increase the potential for velvet antler should increase the potential for velvet antler production on farms.production on farms.


• The cause of neonatal mortality could not be The cause of neonatal mortality could not be determined in most cases, however, dystocia determined in most cases, however, dystocia caused 28.6% of the total mortality. caused 28.6% of the total mortality.

• Twenty-two FSD dystocia cases, occurring Twenty-two FSD dystocia cases, occurring between 2000 and 2008, on 19 deer farms in between 2000 and 2008, on 19 deer farms in Taiwan were analyzed for the further study.Taiwan were analyzed for the further study.


• In our study, a high fawn mortality (72.7%) with In our study, a high fawn mortality (72.7%) with the dystocia casesthe dystocia cases indicated the negative impact of indicated the negative impact of delayed veterinary assistance.delayed veterinary assistance.

• The high percentage of parturient death of The high percentage of parturient death of unattended fawns indicates that prompt unattended fawns indicates that prompt veterinary intervention may beneficially impact veterinary intervention may beneficially impact the survival rate of fawns.the survival rate of fawns.

Conclusions

1.1. Farmed FSD could achieve yearly breeding. Farmed FSD could achieve yearly breeding. Their fecundity was enhanced by high pregnancy Their fecundity was enhanced by high pregnancy rates and high offspring survival rates.rates and high offspring survival rates.

2.2. Dystocia was associated with a low survival rate Dystocia was associated with a low survival rate for FSD fawns. However, prompt veterinary for FSD fawns. However, prompt veterinary intervention beneficially impacted the survival intervention beneficially impacted the survival rate of fawns.rate of fawns.

• This study provides accurate estimates of This study provides accurate estimates of reproductive characteristics and fawn mortality reproductive characteristics and fawn mortality in farmed FSD hinds.in farmed FSD hinds.

Update

• Wang YC, Wang YC, Chan Jacky PChan Jacky P, Yeh KS, Chang CC, Hsuan , Yeh KS, Chang CC, Hsuan SL, Hsieh YM, Chang YC, Lai TC, Lin WH, Chen SL, Hsieh YM, Chang YC, Lai TC, Lin WH, Chen TH. Molecular characterization of enrofloxacin TH. Molecular characterization of enrofloxacin resistant Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates. resistant Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates. Veterinary MicrobiologyVeterinary Microbiology, 2009. , 2009. subject category: subject category: Veterinary Veterinary 5/134 (3.7%)5/134 (3.7%); Impact factor: 2.370; Impact factor: 2.370 (SCI) (SCI) (accepted)(accepted)

Jacky’s FamilyJacky’s Family

Thanks for Thanks for your your

attention!attention!

Red deerRed deer

Fallow deerFallow deer

Rusa deerRusa deer

Chital deerChital deer

• Some statistics:- Shoulder height: 120 cms (male) and 80 cms (female)- Body length: 178-240 cms

• - Body weight: 200-250 kg (male) and 80-100 kg (female)- Tail length: 15-30 cms- Habitat: usually found in virgin forests at elevations of 300-1500 m. (central range, Hwalien, Taitun); grasslands and near forest streams- Breeding Time: August and September - Weight of calves at birth: 3.8-6.4 kg

• The younger the stags are, the later the antlers The younger the stags are, the later the antlers cast off. Besides, the casting occurs much earlier cast off. Besides, the casting occurs much earlier for the stags in the south than those in the north.for the stags in the south than those in the north.

• Antlers will be removed mostly in spring until Antlers will be removed mostly in spring until April (within 90 days after casting) as a farm April (within 90 days after casting) as a farm management practice to harvest the deer velvet management practice to harvest the deer velvet for traditional Chinese medicine trade. for traditional Chinese medicine trade.

• Normally, the production gain of antler (with an Normally, the production gain of antler (with an average amount of average amount of 1300-2400 g, 35-641300-2400 g, 35-64 兩兩 ) will ) will increase year by year and reach the highest increase year by year and reach the highest amount during the 8amount during the 8thth and 9 and 9thth year of age, and year of age, and decrease until the 19decrease until the 19thth year. year.

formosan sambar deer (fsd) cervus unicolor swinhoeicervus unicolor swinhoei native subspecies in...

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