Control of red deer (Cervus elaphus) stag domination in rut season by estrus synchronization

BACKGROUND: Inbreeding is one of the major problems of small size herds of red deer in refuge wildlife parks. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to use estrus synchronization technique in red deer (Cervus elaphus) based on natural mating to control the dominancy and social rank of stags and inbreeding. METHODS: In this study, hinds (n=6) were captured and caged at breeding season (early October) in Semeskande Wild Life Refuge Park. The captured hinds were treated with intravaginal progesterone devices (CIDR) for 12 days, followed by injection of 250 IU PMSG at the time of CIDR withdrawal. After 48 hours, all 6 hinds were released from cages. RESULTS: In estrus phase, the chase sequences started and the old dominant stag could not control all of the hinds in his territory so the two other young stags successfully mated with the other hinds. Four out of six hinds became pregnant and the calves were born in early June. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the estrus synchronization technique in Refuge Wildlife Park which is based on natural mating, can be used successfully to control inbreeding easily and give young stags the opportunity to copulate.