What changes occur in a whitetail's body mass with age?

Body Mass Changes with Age

Whitetail deer undergo significant changes in body mass as they mature. From birth to weaning, fawns typically weigh around 6-8 pounds and increase in mass by about 1-2 pounds per week. By 6-8 weeks, fawns have doubled their birth weight and continue to grow rapidly. In their first year, does may gain 100-150 pounds, while bucks typically gain 50-100 pounds.

Factors Influencing Body Mass

Body mass in whitetail deer is influenced by various factors including nutrition, health, and genetics. Does, in particular, tend to prioritize nutrition during their first year to optimize reproductive success. Bucks, on the other hand, may focus on developing antlers and muscle mass, which can lead to a slower growth rate in body mass. Environmental factors such as food availability, parasite load, and disease prevalence also impact body mass, with deer in poor condition often displaying lower body mass and reduced reproduction rates.

Age-Related Body Mass Patterns

Research has shown that whitetail deer tend to peak in body mass around 1.5 to 2.5 years of age, with does typically weighing around 100-150 pounds and bucks around 150-200 pounds. After this point, body mass tends to stabilize or decline, particularly in bucks, which often experience significant antler growth and muscle development in the first few years of life. In does, declining body mass may be associated with reproductive senescence and reduced reproductive success.