Age and Gender Affect Epiphyseal Closure in White-tailed Deer

摘要: Abstract Timing of epiphyseal closure determines length long bones and thus body size, but factors affecting in Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) have not been conclusively quantified. We collected morphometric data radiographic images the distal humerus, proximal radius, metacarpus on approximately 0.5-, 1.5-, 2.5-, 3.5-year-old optimally nourished captive deer. Age affected radial metacarpal plates (P < 0.001), with all individuals exhibiting by 3.5 years age. Gender = 0.036), females closing prior to males. Differential bone growth rate may be one mechanism which individual cohort phenotypic effects are manifested cervids.