Effect of the Grazing and Barn Feeding System on Feed Intake, Weight Gain and Velvet Antler Productivity in Elk (Cervus canadensis)

摘要

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of pasture grazing and barn feeding system on the growth performance, weight gain and velvet antler productivity in Elk. Twelve 5-year-old elk stags about 273 kg were stratified by weight and randomlyassigned by feeding system (a pasture grazing and a barn feeding, n=6). The average feed intake were not signigicant difference between two groups. Average daily gain for grazing and barn feeding group was 0.25 g and 0.29 g respectively, showing no significant difference. Velvet antler yield for grazing and barn feeding group was 7,700 g and 6, 960 g respectively, with no significant difference. In conclusion grazing group was better than barn feeding group in feed intake, body weight gain and velvet antler productivity. However, there were no statistical significant difference between the two group. These results may serve as the basis for further study of deer feeding system in Korea and further study needed to examine the grazing intensity and economic efficiency.