Observations on the haematology of several races of black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

Abstract

Haematological studies involving 49 wild fawns of the black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) and 44 captive reared fawns of four genotypes of O. hemionus provided data upon haemoglobin level, haematocrit, sedimentation rate, and major cellular elements. The differences between races include lower counts of erythrocytes and lymphocytes, and a higher count of neutrophiles in the mule deer (O. h. hemionus).Comparisons of the black-tailed deer (O. hemionus) and the species O. virginianus revealed lower leucocyte counts and higher haematocrit values in the second species.