Variation in the fecundity of roe deer in Britain: effects of age and body weight

This paper investigates variation in female fecundity in relation to effects of age and body weight within and between 15 populations of roe deer Capreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Britain. Analyses were based on carcass material and fecundity was assessed from the presence/absence and number fertilised ovulations (corpora lutea) and implanted foetuses. A significant proportion (>10%) of does ovulated in their first year in some populations, but such precocious reproductive activity rarely resulted in successful implantation of a foetus.