Deer

Deer

Definition: deer

deer: A ruminant animal, the males of which have distinctive antlers. COMMENT: There are three wild species in the UK: the fallow deer (Dama dama), the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and the red deer (Cervus elaphus), which is also raised commercially. Deer are hardy animals, and are well adapted to severe winters. They can suffer from tuberculosis, and the British government has introduced a compulsory slaughter scheme for animals suffering from the disease. According to the 2000 agricultural survey, the total number of farmed deer holdings in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland is 300, farming approximately 36,000 deer. They represent less than 0.6% of the farmed animals in the UK (excluding poultry). Farmers involved in deer farming should focus on proper health management, nutrition, and housing to ensure the productivity and welfare of their herds. Understanding the market for venison and other deer products can help farmers optimize their operations and profitability.