Nutritional Quality of Three Major Deer Forages in Pine Flatwoods of Norther Florida
Kilgo JC and Labisky RF. 1995. Nutritional Quality of Three Major Deer Forages in Pine Flatwoods of Norther Florida. Florida Scientist. 58(4):327-334
The density of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on the Osceola National Forest ( ONF) in northern Florida is low, whereas exploitation pressures are high. Proper habitat management is critical for enhancing population growth and will require knowledge of the quality of pine flatwoods forages. This study evaluated the nutritional quality (crude protein [CP], phosphorus [P], and in vitro organic matter digestibility [IVOMD]) of common gallberry (Ilex glabra), lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites). and greenbriar (Smilax laurifolia) throughout an annual cycle on the ONF. Mean annual CP and P content and IVOMD of the 3 forage species combined was 7.5%, 0.063%, and 42.5%, respectively. Nutritional quality of the forages differed among months for all 3 parameters ( P < 0.001 ), and was deficient year-round with respect to the requirements of white-tailed deer. Low nutritional quality of forages during spring and summer may stress adult females during gestation and lactation, and contribute to the low productivity and fawn survival characteristic of deer populations in pine flatwoods habitat. The combination of prescribed fire in both dormant- and growing-seasons should be explored as a strategy for enhancing the growth and quality of deer forages in nutrient-poor pine flatwoods habitats.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Kilgo, John; Labisky, Ronald
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- Habitat Management, nutritional quality, Osceola National Forest, Pine Flatwoods, Population Density, Species Richness