* Hormonal Changes: The shedding process is triggered by a decrease in testosterone levels in the male deer. This drop occurs in the late fall or early winter.
* Nutrient Conservation: Antlers are energetically expensive to grow. Shedding them allows the deer to conserve energy and nutrients for the winter months when food is scarce.
* Preparation for New Growth: Shedding the old antlers allows for the growth of larger, stronger antlers for the next breeding season. The new antlers will be ready by the time the rut (mating season) begins in the fall.
The Process:
The base of the antler, called the pedicle, is covered with a layer of soft tissue known as velvet. This velvet contains blood vessels that nourish the growing antlers.
As testosterone levels drop, the blood supply to the antlers decreases, and the velvet begins to die. The base of the antler then weakens, causing the antlers to fall off.
Interesting Fact:
The antlers are made primarily of bone, but they are covered in a layer of skin and velvet during their growth phase.