Quote:
Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce
the spikes makes me think it's two bucks.
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Spike and antler "growth depends on nutrition and heredity.
Antlers can also be found on female deer. Normally the doe has spikes that remain in velvet. The spiked doe remains fertile and can produce young."
"The doe with ANTLERS," or just spikes,
from
"The Haunted Fishing Lodge."
Best discussion I saw:
"Several situations cause does to develop pedicles and grow antlers. The causes include hermaphroditism, increased levels of testosterone, adrenal cortex tumors, and possible sharing of reproductive hormones in the womb between male and female twins. . . .
"The bottom line about hermaphrodites is that they can really confuse you. . . .
"Up to 1 in 900 white-tailed does had antlers in one sample in Michigan. Most antlered white-tailed does are spikes and usually are still in velvet during fall and winter. . . .
"A condition known as freemartin has been observed in cattle for years. It occurs when male and female placentas become fused in the womb. When the male begins to develop its reproductive tract, the hormones circulate into his sister's bloodstream and affect the development of her genitalia. This theory is further strengthened by antlered does being more common in deer with normal twin births, such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, and roe deer. . . .
"And what about the hermaphrodites? Do they chase themselves in circles when the rut begins?"