Nutrient balancing or spring flush – What determines spruce bark stripping level by red deer?

• We investigate relationships between red deer intake of rapeseed and spruce bark. Bark biomass consumption increases above a threshold temperature in spring. This coincides with change the bark’s concentration starch. do not find significant influence on bark stripping. The distribution population density ( Cervus elaphus ) are increasing several regions Europe. may cause severe damage commercial forestry agriculture. stripping is main problem forests, especially Norway Picea abies ), thought to mostly occur during winter when other forage scarce. It has been suggested that an imbalance nutrient intake, diet including high amounts easily-digestible macronutrients, such as agricultural crops, can lead increased urge consume Feeding brassicas, for example Brassica napus might have this effect. aim study was relationship by early did controlled feeding experiment four groups captive southern Sweden. All were given logs every week, while only two had access freshly harvested plants. In addition, air nutritional composition taken into account. Our results show be considerable but also spring green-up. found no performed deer. However, at temperature, suddenly started ingest large biomass, coinciding suggest lack effect partly explained overshadowing effects caused seasonal changes characteristics, fact plants our contained lower than expected concentrations macronutrients (apart from protein). conclude risk certain periods, something important consider mitigating interactive involved must considered order more efficiently mitigate damage.