Nomographic Estimation o Forage Intake by White-tailed Deer

Abstract

Forage intake may be estimated by dividing the nutrients required by the animal by the nutrients supplied by forage. These two variables may be used with nomogram to estimate intake necessary to meet specific requirements. For example, a white-tailed deer with an ecological metabolism of 1,600 kcal and a forage digestibility of 0.4 has an estimated intake of 1.0 kg. One with an ecological metabolism of 5,500 and a forage digestibility of 0.8 has an estimated intake of 1.8 kg. A nomogram is especially useful when making quick estimates for management purposes.