Maternal Effect ..... What the heck is that!!
- turkeycreektrees
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
As wildlife habitat managers, we all want the species that we are managing for to be healthier and more abundant than if we did nothing. Meaning we want to see our hard work pay off! However, sometimes it seems as if our hard work is not paying off, especially in terms of producing larger antlered deer. Are you willing to wait 10 years to see the fruit of your labor? 10 years?!!! There have been 3 studies conducted by scientific researchers in recent years that all indicate that it takes 2 generations of offspring once the habitat has improved (leading to better overall herd health) for those fawns to reach their full genetic potential. That could be as long as 10 years! Maternal effect from does is the leading cause in a delayed increase in herd health (leading to increased antler size). The research is indicating that not only does the buck fawn's mother need to be in excellent body condition but that she needed to have come from a doe that was in good body condition in order for that buck fawn to express his full genetic potential as a mature adult deer. It is a pretty interesting concept when you think about how it all works, but how does it impact our work as wildlife habitat managers? The exact genetic trigger is not understood, but all 3 studies pointed to the same thing. What it means is that planting a Fall food plot alone will not have much impact on the antler size of your bucks. Quality food needs to be present on your farm year-round if you want to see your deer reach their full genetic potential! If you are planting directly or indirectly simply to attract bucks, and food is already limiting on your property and the surrounding properties then that "larger" buck may never materialize. Because when it comes right down to it, that doe's body condition controls where that buck fawn will top out at when mature. Now is the time of year to be implementing those habitat changes that will lead to better year-round, quality food for your deer herd.
Manipulating the natural vegetation on your property so that it produces high quality forage year round is the most productive method for the least amount of $$ inputted. That can be accomplished through burning or forest stand improvement practices. Living in an agriculturally dominated landscape does NOT insure your does are in peak condition through the entirety of the year. Research also found that feeding a 'high protein" feed year-round does not have the same positive results as a diverse natural diet especially in colder climates. While protein is important to does during lactation, the rest of the year carbohydrates and fats are necessary.