De-wormed deer, happy deer? Maybe not. In our study, we explore how parasite load, testosterone levels, antler size, and a powerful anthelmintic drug are all connected
In this scientific paper we investigated the relationship between parasite load, testosterone levels, and antler development in captive male red deer.
We administered an antiparasitic drug, Ivermectin, to a group of 13 deer over two years:
Each year, 7 deer were randomly chosen to receive a monthly injection of the drug from mid-April to mid-July., while The other 6 deer got a placebo injection. The following year, the groups were switched, so that each deer was treated with the drug for one year and served as a control for the other.
While the Ivermectin successfully reduced parasite burden, it unexpectedly lowered testosterone concentrations in the treated animals. as higher testosterone is linked to larger antlers, the reduced testosterone levels caused by the treatment could negatively impact antler size, despite the reduction in parasites. These findings have important implications for managing captive deer, particularly in contexts where large antlers are desired.
Find more about this study here.
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