Orphan calf survival (elk)
05-21-2006, 02:18 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
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Join Date: Apr 2004
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Posts: 1,572
Orphan calf survival (elk)
I was wondering if you guys could help me digup some info on the survival rates of orphaned elk calves. Our department policy is that it's basically 0%. I beg to differ. Other cervids, namely moose can experience orphan survival as good as 5%. Also, calves are not entirely dependent on nursing after several weeks (I think). So, once a cow and calf have rejoined the herd several weeks after birth, and the calf is no longer completely dependent on nursing, I see no reason why there wouldn't be at least some chance for it to survive should the cow die. Also, anything regarding other cows adopting or allowing an orphaned calf to nurse would be important.
It's important that I try to pin this down with valid sources (hopefully peer-reviewed) because it will have a strong effect onour depredation policy regarding cows with calves. Thanks for any help.
It's important that I try to pin this down with valid sources (hopefully peer-reviewed) because it will have a strong effect onour depredation policy regarding cows with calves. Thanks for any help.
05-21-2006, 11:31 PM
#3
Nontypical Buck
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Join Date: Apr 2004
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Posts: 1,572
RE: Orphan calf survival (elk)
Umm....that would be me. I was just looking around the 'net since it's the weekend. I will peruse our research library but I just wanted to see if anyone could dig up anything electronic that I couldn't find.
