[Winter feeding or autumn feeding of game animals?]. / Winterfütterung oder Herbstfütterung des Wildes?

ABSTRACT

A literature review of seasonal changes in metabolism and food intake and the accumulation of energy deposits (fat) during the natural mast period in autumn is linked to the results of feeding trials with roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) using supplementary feeding and/or planted crops to simulate the mast which is missing in conifer forests planted mainly for timber production. The results indicate that autumn mast simulation is more physiological and effective in reducing forest damage and increasing game quality than the traditional "emergency" winter feeding as practiced in Central Europe over hundred years.