Management of Wild Ungulate Populations in Italy: Captive-Breeding,Hybridisation and Genetic Consequences of Translocations

Captive-reproduced stocks of some species of ungulates (Artiodactyla), and particularly the red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and the wildboar (Sus scrofa) are more or less extensively translocated in Italy, mainly for local reintroductions or restocking of exploited wild populations. However, captive breeding often involves the reproduction of non-indigenous individuals or the production of artificial hybrids. Consequently, translocations of captive-reproduced ungulates are of concern for the conservation of indigenous populations and gene pools. The impact of translocations should be evaluated within the background of the growing knowledge on population genetic and phylogeographic structure of ungulates. Molecular genetic markers are being used to map geographic genetic diversity, and reconstruct the phylogeographic history of natural populations (i.e., in the roe deer). Molecular makers are also used to detect the consequences of domestication and identify hybrids between wild and domesticated populations (i.e., in the wildboar), or to detect inter-specific hybridisation (i.e., between the red deer and wapiti). Hybridisation of wild and domestic pigs, and diffusion of hybrids in nature is widespread in Italy. Admixture of indigenous and non-indigenous roe deer stocks is also widespread. Therefore, conservation and management of indigenous ungulates calls for careful evaluation of captive-reproduced stocks.

     

Management of Wild Ungulate Populations in Italy: Captive-Breeding,Hybridisation and Genetic Consequences of Translocations

Captive-reproduced stocks of some species of ungulates (Artiodactyla), and particularly the red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and the wildboar (Sus scrofa) are more or less extensively translocated in Italy, mainly for local reintroductions or restocking of exploited wild populations. However, captive breeding often involves the reproduction of non-indigenous individuals or the production of artificial hybrids. Consequently, translocations of captive-reproduced ungulates are of concern for the conservation of indigenous populations and gene pools. The impact of translocations should be evaluated within the background of the growing knowledge on population genetic and phylogeographic structure of ungulates. Molecular genetic markers are being used to map geographic genetic diversity, and reconstruct the phylogeographic history of natural populations (i.e., in the roe deer). Molecular makers are also used to detect the consequences of domestication and identify hybrids between wild and domesticated populations (i.e., in the wildboar), or to detect inter-specific hybridisation (i.e., between the red deer and wapiti). Hybridisation of wild and domestic pigs, and diffusion of hybrids in nature is widespread in Italy. Admixture of indigenous and non-indigenous roe deer stocks is also widespread. Therefore, conservation and management of indigenous ungulates calls for careful evaluation of captive-reproduced stocks.     

Prevalence of Coxiella burnetti infection in wild and farmed ungulates

The aim of this study was to evaluate by serology and PCR analyses the prevalence of Coxiella burnetti infection in ungulates in Spain. Sera were collected from red deer (Cervus elaphus; n=116), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus; n=39), fallow deer (Dama dama; n=13) and cattle (n=79). Sera were tested for anti-C. burnetii antibody detection by means of an immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) and C. burnetii DNA was amplified by PCR in samples from ungulates that had antibodies to phase II antigens. Twenty-nine, 15 and 39 percent of the red deer, roe deer and cattle had antibodies against C. burnetii, respectively. None of the fallow deer sera tested positive. Seroprevalence was statistically higher in farmed than in wild red deer and higher in northern than in southern populations, whereas an inverse pattern was observed for the roe deer. Most of the seropositive animals had only anti-C. burnetii phase II antibodies, thus showing the acute nature of infections in the sampled ungulates. These results show that C. burnetii circulates in wild ungulates in Spain and suggest that they can act as pathogen reservoirs for both domestic animals and humans.     

Seroprevalence of pestivirus in four species of alpine wild ungulates in the High Valley of Susa, Italy

Wildlife, once infected, can serve as a reservoir of infectious diseases that form a constant threat to domestic livestock. To make control and eradication programs successful in the long-term, presence of pestivirus in wildlife populations should be monitored. The goal of this study was to investigate seroprevalence of pestivirus in four alpine wild ungulates in the High Valley of Susa, north-west Italy. Species studied were: red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). A further goal was using virus neutralisation tests (VNT) for four strains of pestivirus in chamois and wild boar. Three hundred and seventy-five serum samples collected during the hunting season of 1999 were tested for pestivirus specific antibodies. Positive sera of chamois and wild boar were subsequently tested in a VNT with four major subtypes of pestivirus, and virus isolation was performed. No antibodies were found in the 73 samples of roe deer, while 7 (12.5%), 8 (5.9%) and 28 (25.5%) of 56, 136 and 110 samples of wild boar, red deer and chamois were ELISA-positive, respectively. Different ranges of titers were found in the VNT and no pestivirus was isolated in the ELISA-positive wild boar and chamois samples. Several possibilities, which might explain the high seroprevalence in chamois are discussed. Pestivirus antibodies were found in three out of four large alpine ungulates in the High Valley of Susa. Seroprevalence was particularly high in chamois. Further investigation is needed to characterise the pestiviruses that circulate in these animals.     

Immunoglobulin G class identification from wild ungulates by cross-reactivity with antisera to domestic animals

Seven species of Spanish ungulates were tested for the presence of homologous immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a gel-diffusion test using bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine IgG antisera. Homologous ovine and caprine IgG were detected in sera from chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica), mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon), red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Homologous porcine IgG was detected in wild boar (Sus scrofa) serum. Immunoelectrophoretic assays were performed to compare the electrophoretic mobility of IgG from domestic and wild species.     

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Galicia (NW, Spain)

Faecal samples from 224 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 381 wild boars (Sus scrofa) shot during the 2008-2009 hunting season (August-January) in Galicia (NW Spain) were examined to determine the presence and intensity of infection by Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Analysis of a single sample from each of the roe deer revealed that the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and giardiosis was 1.3% and 5.3% respectively. The prevalence of Giardia infection was significantly higher in juvenile female roe deer than in adult females, but no other significant differences were found in relation to age and sex. In wild boars, the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and giardiosis was 7.6% and 1.3% respectively. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was significantly higher in juvenile male wild boars than in adult males, but no other significant differences were found in relation to age or sex. In both groups of wild animals, the number of Cryptosporidium oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) ranged from 5 to 200 and the number of Giardia cysts per gram of faeces (CPG) was between 5 and 47; there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to number of infections. This is the first large study of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in roe deer and wild boars in hunting areas in Spain and the results demonstrate a low, but widespread prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in these animals.     

Use of haloperidol and azaperone for stress control in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) captured by means of drive-nets

The physical capture of wild ungulates is performed for different purposes when anaesthesia in field conditions is not possible or advisable. The use of tranquilizers may contribute to improved welfare of captured animals. We studied the effect of haloperidol and azaperone on the stress response of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) through the study of physiological, haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Thirty one roe deer were drive-net captured and randomly injected with haloperidol (0.30 ± 0.04 mg/kg IM; n = 13), azaperone (0.43 ± 0.07 mg/kg IM; n = 11) or saline (0.5 mL IM; n = 7), and restrained for 3 h. The interindividual variability of heart rate was lower in the treated deer, suggesting a calming effect, and erythrocyte and biochemical parameters indicated vasodilation, splenic sequestration, hemodilution, improvement of renal perfusion and a protective effect on muscle. These results support the suitability of using either azaperone or haloperidol in capture operations of roe deer, in order to reduce stress and prevent its adverse effects.     

Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from wild ungulates in south-central Spain

The role of European wild ungulates in the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) is still under discussion. This study describes the geographical distribution and molecular typing of 77 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates belonging either to M. bovis or to M. caprae, cultivated from hunter harvested red deer (Cervus elaphus) and European wild boar (Sus scrofa) in 24 Spanish localities, and compares them with spoligotypes detected previously in humans, livestock or wild animals, as described in the literature. The distribution of the molecular type patterns suggests that the population of M. tuberculosis complex strains isolated from Spanish wild ungulates is spatially structured despite the lack of important geographical barriers and despite the increasingly frequent wildlife translocations. Red deer and the European wild boar can share the same molecular types in localities in which the M. tuberculosis complex was isolated from both species. Strains of bovine and caprine origin do circulate in the same local wildlife populations. Six out of 11 spoligotypes were similar to types described in human cases. The isolation of TB strains in fenced estates from wild animals that have not had contact with domestic livestock for at least the past two decades, strongly suggests that the M. tuberculosis complex is able to survive in these populations. Therefore, wildlife including cervids and the wild boar need to be considered in the epidemiology and control of tuberculosis.     

Blood-feeding patterns of horse flies in the French Pyrenees

Horse flies can mechanically transmit Besnoitia besnoiti, the agent of bovine besnoitiosis. Although previously limited to enzootic areas, especially the French Pyrenees Mountains, bovine besnoitiosis is now considered a re-emerging disease in western Europe. To improve understanding of the role of horse flies as mechanical vectors, this study investigated their blood-feeding ecology in the eastern French Pyrenees, in two high-altitude summer pastures whose main domestic ungulates were cattle, and in a wildlife park with native fauna. Species-specific PCR assays were conducted to identify the sources of blood meals: wild boar, horse, cattle (or bison), sheep (or mouflon), goat, red deer, roe deer and izard (or Pyrenean chamois). In La Mouline pasture, tabanids (N = 20) fed on red deer (70%) and cattle (30%). In Mantet pasture, tabanids (N = 24) fed on cattle (52%), red deer (20%), wild boar (16%), horse (8%) and sheep (4%). In the wildlife park, Tabanus bromius (N = 32), the most abundant species collected, fed on red deer (85%), bison (9%) and wild boar (6%). Despite relatively high densities in both the pastures and in the wildlife park, small wild ungulates (izard, mouflon and roe deer) were not detected as a source of blood meals. Only two mixed blood meals were identified in two specimens of T. bromius: cattle/horse for the specimen collected in the pastures, and bison/wild boar for the specimen collected in the wildlife park. Our findings showed that tabanids display a level of opportunistic feeding behaviour, in addition to a preference for red deer, the latter being particularly true for Philipomyia aprica, the most abundant species collected in the pastures.     

Implications and challenges of tuberculosis in wildlife ungulates in Portugal: a molecular epidemiology perspective

Mycobacterium bovis and, more rarely, Mycobacterium caprae, may cause zoonotic bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in an extensive range of animal species. In Portugal, during 2009, a remarkable raise of bTB incidence was registered in cattle along with an increase of new cases in wildlife. In this work, we reassess and update the molecular epidemiology of bTB in wild ungulates by including 83 new M. bovis and M. caprae isolates from wild boar and red deer obtained during 2008-2009. Spoligotyping identified 27 patterns in wild ungulates, including 11 patterns exclusive from deer and five from wild boar. The genetic relatedness of wildlife and livestock isolates is confirmed. However, the relative prevalence of the predominant genotypes is different between the two groups. Contrasting with the disease in livestock, which is widespread in the territory, the isolation of bTB in wildlife is, apparently, geographically localized and genotypic similarities of strains are observed at the Iberian level.     

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild red deer, roe deer, moose, and reindeer from Norway

Serum samples from 4339 wild cervids collected in Norway were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii using the direct agglutination test. The association between seroprevalence and species, sex, age, and geographic region was investigated. Positive titers (> or =1:40) were found in 33.9% of 760 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus); 12.6% of 2142 moose (Alces alces); 7.7% of 571 red deer (Cervus elaphus); and 1.0% of 866 reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). The seroprevalences were significantly different between the species. There was a significant increase in prevalence with age in roe deer, moose, and red deer, except from yearling to adult in red deer. A significant age-sex interaction was found in moose, and the effect of age was most distinct for females. No association between seropositive animals and sex was found for roe deer and red deer. There were significant differences in prevalence between geographic regions in roe deer and male moose. A widespread exposure to T. gondii in Norwegian cervids is documented, and meat from Norwegian cervids, particularly roe deer, should be regarded a potential source of infection for humans.     

黑龙江穆棱东北红豆杉自然保护区兽类多样性及东北虎猎物资源

为了深入了解黑龙江穆棱东北红豆杉国家级自然保护区兽类组成及东北虎(Panthera tigris altaica)猎物资源现状,于2016—2018年在保护区内布设40个红外相机监测点和7个大样方调查兽类多样性和分析东北虎主要猎物资源。相机监测累计照相日12250个,共获得有效独立照片1139张,从中鉴定出野生兽类4目8科17种,其中国家一级重点保护动物有东北虎和东北豹(Panthera pardus orientalis)。样方调查记录到兽类足迹261条,足迹识别出兽类4目7科10种,其中包括国家一级重点保护动物东北豹1种,东北虎主要猎物野猪(Sus scrofa)、马鹿(Cervus elaphus)、西伯利亚狍(Capreolus pygargus)和梅花鹿(Cervus nippon)4种。兽类物种相对丰富度分析表明,相对丰富度最高的是西伯利亚狍和狗獾(Meles leucurus),赤狐(Vulpes vulpes)和东北豹最低。猎物资源分析表明,保护区内分布有西伯利亚狍681只,野猪510只,马鹿35只,梅花鹿27只,4种动物的生物量分别为西伯利亚狍生物量为20210.94 kg,野猪生物量为64735.00 kg,马鹿生物量为6023.25 kg,梅花鹿生物量为1635.00 kg,保护区东北虎可捕食的主要猎物生物量为92604.19 kg。研究表明,保护区内兽类种类虽然较多,但东北虎、东北豹、梅花鹿和马鹿数据仍然较少,需要重点加强保护。     

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in free-ranging wild cervids in Norway

Faecal samples were collected from 1,190 wild cervids in Norway and analyzed for cysts/oocysts of the protozoan parasites Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Samples were from calves, yearlings and adults of moose (Alces alces), red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) shot during the hunting season. Cryptosporidium was found in 15 (3.3%) of 455 moose, 1 (0.3%) of 289 red deer, 18 (6.2%) of 291 roe deer, but was not found in any of 155 reindeer. Giardia was found in 56 (12.3%) moose, 5 (1.7%) red deer, 45 (15.5%) roe deer and 11 (7.1%) reindeer. The calves had the highest prevalence of infection, but this was only statistically significant for Giardia in moose and for Cryptosporidium and Giardia in roe deer. Calves generally had the highest intensity of infection, but this difference was only statistically significant for calves with Giarda and the highest intensity of infection. Both Giardia and Cryptosporidium were found in samples from several geographical areas, indicating that these parasites are distributed among the cervid population in all parts of Norway, especially in moose and roe deer. This is the first published report of Cryptosporidium in moose and of Giardia in reindeer.     

Evidence of Anaplasma infections in European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from southern Spain

Anaplasma spp. (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) are tick-borne pathogens of veterinary and human importance. The wildlife hosts for these pathogens are not well characterized and may play an important role in the epidemiology of the disease. The objective of this research was to study the infection with A. marginale, A. ovis and A. phagocytophilum in free-ranging European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Cádiz, Andalucía, Spain. Of 17 roe deer tested, 14 (82%) and 5 (29%) had antibodies reactive to Anaplasma spp. and A. phagocytophilum by competitive ELISA and indirect immunofluorescent antibody testing, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis of Anaplasma major surface protein 4 (msp4) gene was conducted on blood samples from all roe deer examined. Nine (53%) animals had evidence of infection with A. ovis and 3 (18%) were positive for A. phagocytophilum. Concurrent infections were not detected. Despite the presence of A. marginale infections in cattle in the study site (36% msp4 PCR-positive animals), none of the msp4 amplicons from roe deer corresponded to A. marginale sequences. A. ovis msp4 sequences were identical to a genotype previously identified in sheep in Sicily, Italy. Two different A. phagocytophilum genotypes were identified in infected roe deer. This is the first report of roe deer naturally infected with A. ovis. These results demonstrate that roe deer are infected with A. ovis and A. phagocytophilum in Spain and suggest that this species may be involved in the natural cycle of these pathogens in this region, thus acting as potential reservoir for transmission to domestic and wild animals.     

Immunoglobulin G Class Identification from Wild Ungulates by Cross‐reactivity with Antisera to Domestic Animals

Seven species of Spanish ungulates were tested for the presence of homologous immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a gel‐diffusion test using bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine IgG antisera. Homologous ovine and caprine IgG were detected in sera from chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica), mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon), red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Homologous porcine IgG was detected in wild boar (Sus scrofa) serum. Immunoelectrophoretic assays were performed to compare the electrophoretic mobility of IgG from domestic and wild species.     

The incidence of bacterial CNS infections in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) in Bavaria

Brain samples of 849 wild ruminants (654 roe deer, 189 red deer and 6 chamois) from Bavaria were examined for the occurrence of encephalopathies caused by bacteria, using cultural, serological and genetic methods. In addition, 87 brain samples were investigated histologically for clarification of the pathogenetic relevance of specific microorganisms. Using conventional bacteriological methods, 464 different bacteria were isolated. 229 of them could be differentiated to the genus level and 235 to the species level. Totally, 35 different bacteria species were isolated, most frequently Micrococcus spp., Bacillus spp. and E. coli. Listeria spp. were detected in 43 brain samples (37 from roe deer, 5 from red deer and 1 from chamois). Sixteen strains were identified as L. innocua, 14 as L. monocytogenes, 9 as L. seeligeri and 4 as L. grayi. Serological investigations of L. monocytogenes showed that 9 strains belong to serotype 1/2a and five to 4b. Analysis of the geographical distribution of the Listeria findings indicate a statistically significant (p<0.011) regional aggregation in Unterfranken (prevalence for roe deer: 12.2%, versus 4.5% in Oberbayern-Schwaben, 6.1% in Niederbayern-Oberpfalz and 0% in Oberfranken-Mittelfranken). The histological investigation (HE staining) of 87 tissue samples contaminated with encephalitis relevant bacteria showed inflammation of different severity (mild meningitis and choroiditis (n = 26) to moderate (meningo)encephalitis (n = 13)) in 41 cases.     

Importance of assisted reproductive technologies in the conservation of wild, rare or indigenous ungulates: review article

Biodiversity is increasingly threatened by intensive agriculture, environmental pollution, extinction of natural habitats and several other factors. Several mammalian species including ungulates have disappeared or are threatened by extinction. However, ungulates play an important role both in the ecosystem and in the economy. In general, species or breeds are considered endangered if their population does not exceed 1,000 individuals. In these cases conservation programmes should be initiated in order to maintain or even increase their number. This review deals with the possibilities and limitations of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in the conservation of ecologically valuable wild, rare and indigenous ungulates. The methods discussed here are artificial insemination, cryopreservation of semen and embryos, embryo recovery and transfer, in vitro production of embryos, as well as micromanipulation techniques including sperm injection, assisted hatching and cloning. Some of these procedures are already being exploited in the breeding of farm ungulates, but more basic information about the reproductive patterns of wild, rare and indigenous animal species is needed before the routine use of ARTs.     

Competitor densities,habitat, and weather: effects on interspecific interactions between wild deer species

There is a growing interest on the potential interplay between weather, habitat, and interspecific competition on population dynamics of wild herbivores. Favorable environmental conditions may buffer the negative effects of competition; conversely, competition may be expected to be stronger under harsh environmental conditions. We investigated relationships between competitor abundance, weather, and habitat cover on density and local distribution of a medium-sized herbivore, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus, as well as its spatial overlap with fallow deer Dama dama in a Mediterranean protected area. Over 11 years (2007–2017), roe deer density was not affected by spring–summer rainfall in the previous year and decreased with increasing density of fallow deer in the previous year. Hence, over the considered temporal scale, results supported a major role of competition over weather in influencing population trends of roe deer. At a finer spatial scale, roe deer occupancy was negatively affected by local abundance of fallow deer, especially in “poorer” habitats. We found a slight support for a positive effect of fallow deer density on interspecific spatial overlap. Moreover, fine-scale spatial overlap between deer species increased with decreasing rainfall in spring–summer. Fallow deer were introduced to our study area in historical times and their role as superior competitors over roe deer has been found also in other study areas. We suggest a potential role of harsh weather conditions during the growing season of vegetation (i.e. scarce rainfall) in triggering the potential for ecological overlap, emphasizing the negative effects of interspecific competition.     

Ixodid ticks parasitizing Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) and European wild boar (Sus scrofa) from Spain: geographical and temporal distribution

Commercial hunting of Spanish wild ungulates has made them an important economic resource. Wild ungulates may have an important role in the maintenance of ixodid tick populations, and also as reservoirs of pathogens. We studied the ixodid ticks that parasitize Iberian red deer and European wild boar from Spain. Ixodid ticks (n=6,336) were collected from 431 Iberian red deer and 142 wild boar in different regions of Spain. We found 10 different ixodid tick species parasitizing Iberian red deer, mainly Hyalomma marginatum marginatum (63.7%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (7.9%) and R. bursa (7.5%). R. (Boophilus) annulatus was only collected in the province of Cádiz (southern Spain). We found 8 ixodid tick species on the wild boar, mainly Hy. m. marginatum (68.7%), R. bursa (14.6%) and Dermacentor marginatus (9.3%). We found one adult Hy. marginatum rufipes and one adult Hy. anatolicum excavatum parasitizing wild boar from south-central Spain. Mean prevalence of ixodid ticks was 41.3+/-0.08% (n=475) and 31+/-0.09% (n=284) and intensity of parasitization was 13.9+/-0.2 (n=283) and 13.6+/-0.3 (n=130) ticks/animal for Iberian red deer and wild boar, respectively. Only 5 of the 13 ixodid tick species found were shared by Iberian red deer and wild boar. This finding could indicate a host preference when Iberian red deer and wild boar share common habitats. In both Iberian red deer and wild boar from south-central Spain the monthly relative frequencies of Hy. m. marginatum and R. bursa presented an inverse pattern. The highest Hy. m. marginatum relative frequencies coincided with the lowest R. bursa relative frequencies along the year. R. bursa and I. ricinus were present in areas from northern to southern Spain while Hyalomma sp. and D. marginatus were exclusively collected in the two southern thirds of Spain. Haemaphysalis sp. and D. reticulatus were collected in northern Spain. Hy. m. marginatum and R. bursa were present during the whole year in red deer and wild boar from south-central Spain, showing more than one life cycle per year. These results are important for understanding the role of wild ungulates in the maintenance of tick infestations and to improve tick control programmes.     

Electrophoretic patterns and immunoglobulin G levels in mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).

Serum protein and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were measured from 16 healthy mouflons (Ovis orientalis musimon) and from 28 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in French and Catalonian populations. Electrophoretic patterns were described for each species. The only significant gender-related difference was increased beta-globulins in French roe deer males. Significantly increased alpha1-globulin levels and decreased IgG levels occurred in the young Catalonian roe deer compared with adults from the same group. Values for total proteins, beta-globulins, gamma-globulin, and IgG were significantly higher in the French roe deer, while albumin and albumin/globulin ratio were higher in the Catalonian roe deer. Both populations had the same relative migration distances of the various protein fractions of the electrophoresis.