Biogen content in roe deer Capreolus capreolus antlers and skulls

Antlers and skulls collected for chemical analysis originated from roe deer Capreo­lus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758) bucks bagged in the Rogów hunting district in central Poland. Antlers were divided by the quality and by the age. The specific gravity of the antlers as well as nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium content were measured. The highest nitrogen content was in corkscrew antlers, which also had the lowest density. Corkscrew antlers contained the lowest calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium content. The highest amounts of these biogens were found in regressive and year-old antlers. Ca/P ratios were measured and relatively consistent, while Ca/N ratios varied and were lowest in year-old antlers.