The UGA Deer Lab has conducted several research projects related to scent communication among deer and associated behaviors.
- We identified and characterized the potential scent-producing skin glands of white-tailed deer.
- We characterized the anatomical structure of some of these glands.
- We characterized the bacterial fauna associated with some of these glands.
- We characterized the volatile chemical compounds associated with some of these glands.
- We examined sign-posting (i.e., marking of objects in their environment) behavior of bucks.
- We examined the ability of bucks to detect when a doe was receptive to breeding based on her body odor.
- We tested the effect of buck urine on timing of estrus in Eld's deer.
- We tested the effect of a buck's presence on urination frequency of receptive and non-receptive does.
