This also is true for properties and programs where supplemental feed is already taking place. The corn maze of states in the Midwest such as Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa have so much corn readily available (either standing or left behind from the combine) during the winter months that the deer’s rumen and microbial population is adjusted for feeding. However, concern over acidosis is waved throughout the Midwest and in areas where deer are already consuming corn. Five of the twelve deer found dead due to winter feeding in N.H. Dehydration as a result of the buildup of lactic acid can be fatal in 24-72 hours. With a sudden intake of grain, an increase and change in the microbial population in the rumen causes a fatal increase of lactic acid. A deer’s diet during the winter consists of high fiber woody browse, not low fiber carbohydrates. Acidosis occurs when ruminants (deer) consume large quantities of carbohydrates that are low in fiber, also known as corn toxicity. Have you heard of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)? That’s one of the big ones! However, another more likely concern that often goes unknown to the person supplying the feed is called acidosis. Some of this concern undoubtedly stems from the possible negative outcomes of gathering large numbers of deer in one place…diseases being the concern. This is why states all across the northern stretches of the country restrict or outlaw the use of bait and feeding of deer. Intervention in the form of a couple hundred pounds of “deer corn” can spell disaster for deer.
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