| Deer density manipulation and supplemental feeding are common management techniques for white-tailed deer (Odocoilus virginianus ), though knowledge of effects of these techniques on deer nutrition is limited. I evaluated diet composition, diet quality, and foraging behavior of tame does released in 4 81 ha enclosures under treatments of (1) low deer density - fed, (2) low deer density - unfed, (3) high deer density - fed, and (4) high deer density - unfed. Diet composition and quality differences were insignificant in winter and spring, and density and feed effects interacted in summer. In fall, unfed deer consumed more mast, had higher dietary energy, and lower dietary protein than fed deer; and high density deer had higher dietary protein versus low density deer. High energy and low protein content of unfed deer diets necessitates review of current notions on limiting nutrients. Foraging differences of fed and unfed deer may have implications on plant community processes. |
