Faecal stable isotope analysis in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), an alternative method for alimentary ecology studies

摘要: Stable isotope analysis of tissues offers an alternative to study the alimentary ecology in wild animal populations. However, estimating difference between diet and tissue values (trophic shifts) is essential because it not consistent for all species. Trophic shifts white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) antler, hair blood, have been determined allow dietary reconstructions. Nevertheless, these are difficult obtain areas where occur at low densities their collection may involve unwanted manipulation animals. Alternatively, faecal analyses advantageous samples easy field, isotopic composition related food ingested documenting short-term variability. Therefore, we estimated diet-faeces trophic fed on a constant diet. The observed (0.81‰ δ13C 2.13‰ δ15N) were different reported other herbivores. our estimates proved be useful when applied mixing model quantify contributions multiple sources deer’s Our shift reliable measurements which can used expand potential stable deer.