Here's why:
* Nutritional value: Antlers are primarily made of bone, which is not a particularly nutritious source of food for deer. They contain very little protein or other essential nutrients.
* Digestive system: Deer are herbivores, their digestive systems are designed to break down plant matter. They lack the necessary enzymes and bacteria to efficiently digest bone.
* Behavior: While deer might occasionally nibble on antlers out of curiosity, they don't actively seek them out as a food source.
There are other reasons why deer might interact with antlers:
* Marking territory: Male deer sometimes rub their antlers on trees and bushes to mark their territory. This behavior might involve some contact with shed antlers.
* Curiosity: Deer are known to be curious animals and might investigate unfamiliar objects like shed antlers.
So, while it's an interesting thought, it's unlikely that female fallow deer eat shed antlers for nutritional purposes.