From conception to recruitment: Nutritional condition of the dam dictates the likelihood of success in a temperate ungulate

Maternal effects are the influence of maternal phenotype and maternally-provided environment on (i.e., expression traits) offspring. Frequently, manifest both before after parturition. Pre-parturition primarily direct allocation energy to offspring that is in utero . Post-parturition can include (e.g., nursing defending offspring) indirect selection habitat relatively safe or has high nutritional value) influences. While often discussed, there a paucity information relative importance each type due difficulty monitoring mothers prior parturition mother-offspring relationships free-ranging animals. Our objective was determine birth weight, growth rates, survival mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) fawns from through first 18 months life. We determined effect condition dam (mother) weight (pre-parturition effect). also examined post-parturition rates fawns. Direct were evident parturition; dams better produced with greater mass at birth, higher growth, increased survival. findings demonstrate influences fawn health gestation recruitment. These links highlight considering when examining population dynamics reproductive success long-lived mammals. Management plans for ungulates should assessment adult females maximize likelihood effective conservation.