PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY INDEXES ON ANTLER PRODUCTION AND POST-HARVEST RECOVERY IN DEER IN DONG THAP PROVINCE
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) on velvet antler yield and clinical recovery following antler harvesting in sika deer in Dong Thap Province, Vietnam. The experiment was carried out on six male sika deer aged 3–4 years, using an anesthesia protocol consisting of Xylazine hydrochloride and reversal with Yohimbine hydrochloride. The THI was recorded at three time points (before antler cutting, 15 minutes and 1 hours post-cutting). Four recovery milestones were also monitored, including induction of anesthesia, antler cutting, regaining consciousness, and complete recovery.
Regression analysis showed that the THI measured before antler cutting had a statistically significant effect on the antler yield ratio (P = 0.033), with an adjusted coefficient of determination R²(adj) of 70.6%. During the antler harvesting procedure, the mean recovery time was very short, averaging 1.36 ± 1.13 minutes, and the deer were able to walk normally after 11.74 ± 4.41 minutes. Although environmental conditions fluctuated and the maximum THI reached 84.29, all experimental deer recovered rapidly, with no cases of respiratory depression or seizures observed, and all antler wounds remained dry within 24 hours after cutting. These preliminary findings suggest that monitoring and controlling THI, together with an appropriate anesthesia and recovery protocol, may contribute to improved velvet antler production and enhanced animal welfare in sika deer under practical farming conditions in Southern Vietnam.
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