it all depends on the size of the buck. If it is over 3 1/2yrs. old than it defenatly is a genetics issue and can be eliminated from the heard but if is is a 1 1/2yr it is common to see even though a 1 1/2yr usually consists of at least a fork on each side with ocassional browtines. Its not very common to see a 2 1/2yr old with spikes but it could be the lack of nutrients.