Effects of stocking density on the behaviour and growth of farmed red deer hinds

The aim of this experiment was to measure the effects of stocking density on the social behaviour, activity patterns and growth rates of yearling red deer hinds reared at pasture. Twenty individuals were assigned to two groups of 10 in a latin square design. During period 1 (28 days), group 1 was kept at a low stocking density (LD: 37 animals/ha) and group 2 at a high stocking density (HD: 150 animals/ha). During period 2 (28 days) the groups were switched and tested at the other stocking density. Aggressive encounters (kicks, bites and butts) and vigilance postures were more frequent at HD than at LD. There was no difference between the two densities in the total time spent grazing pel day, but the hinds at HD had shorter and more frequent meals than the hinds at LD. The synchronisation of grazing was also lower at HD than at LD. The hinds grew faster at LD than at HD. The effects of stocking density on growth and sating behaviour were more severe for subordinate than for dominant hinds. in conclusion, high stocking density induced a social stress that affected grazing patterns and growth rates, especially in subordinate individuals. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.