Professional paper

Deer antlers – functionally modified bone

Nikolina Škvorc ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Miljenko Bujanić ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Snježana Kužir ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Dean Konjević ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) is an indigenous large game species in Croatia. The antlers of red deer are bony structures, serving as a visual sign of social hierarchy, and are used in display and combat interactions during the mating season. Red deer also use their antlers for marking their territory. Antlers are generally present in males. The mineralized antlers consist of compact bone surrounding a central cancellous, or trabecular bone. Although structurally and compositionally similar to “real bone,” there are numerous differences between antlers and bones. Antlers contain more organic matter and a lower volume percentage of minerals, mainly consisting of primary osteons, and they undergo regular regeneration on an annual
basis. Histological analyses of antlers can be conducted on mineralized unembedded samples or samples embedded in plastic, as well as on demineralized (decalcified) samples embedded in paraffin. After the decalcification process, conducted using acids or chelating agents, thin sections of samples suitable for further histological staining can be obtained. The histological structure of antlers is directly linked to their mechanical properties. The direction of the collagen fibers and their interconnection with mineral platelets result in strong plasticity and strength, enabling them to be prepared for combat. The arrangement of collagen fibers in the bones and their interconnection with the mineral plates provides for great elasticity and,
consequently, the ability to absorb energy during the impact of mechanical force.

Keywords

red deer; antlers; bone; decalcification

Hrčak ID:

315466

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/315466

Publication date:

25.3.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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