Feeding and Management Methods for Breeding Male Roe Deer in Roe Deer Farming

The purpose of managing breeding male roe deer is to ensure they have a healthy and robust constitution, strong libido, strong mating ability and good semen quality, so as to improve the conception rate. The rearing of breeding male roe deer is divided into three stages: the mating period, the recovery period, and the preparation period for mating. The three stages are divided as follows:

① From about August 26 to September 20 each year is the mating period for roe deer.

② From September 20 to the end of June the following year is the recovery period.

③ From July 1 to August 25 is the preparation period for mating. Breeding male roe deer begin to show strong libido in July each year, and by late August their libido is intense, competition for mates is fierce, and they frequently chase each other, lock antlers, and call. During mating, the male roe deer consumes a great deal of physical energy and its appetite drops sharply. Therefore, enhanced feeding and management must begin from the preparation period for mating so that the breeding male roe deer has a healthy physique. The daily ration of breeding male roe deer should have a higher protein content; they should be given feed with good palatability and rich in vitamins (A, D, E) as well as tender green succulent feed (elm, oak, mulberry leaves, etc.), especially artificially planted green soybean plants, artificially planted green alfalfa grass, carrots, wild vegetables, etc.

Feeding methods for breeding male roe deer

1. The mating period and the preparation period for mating both fall in summer and autumn, the season when green succulent feed is abundant, so more branches and leaves can be given and the mixed feed reduced. Supply according to the required nutritional components.

2. Mix the mixed feed with clean water until moist (the amount of water should be such that the feed is neither dry nor overly wet), and place it in the feeding trough to feed the roe deer. The daily feed amount is given to the roe deer in 3 feedings each day, morning, noon and evening. To prevent the feed from spoiling and turning sour, in the hot summer it should be added and fed in 4 portions. At night, add enough green branches and leaves for them to eat during the cool of the night.