The Genetic Modification of the Whitetail Deer

Abstract or Introduction

White-tailed deer are unique to the fact that their antlers can regenerate with changes in season. These antlers have various uses, and for this purpose, farmers and game communities have sought the best way to enhance the deer growth from the purpose of improved antler development, thus, increase the supply of antlers needed to meet its demand. Genetic manipulation is incurred by artificially selecting desired traits that include more massive antlers, long antlers, and broader base circumference of antlers among other vital traits, achieved through deletion or insertion in a farm or lab setting. The result is that over the years, some undesired traits in these deer are eliminated or faced out gradually through the elimination of animals that exhibit these unwanted traits such as lightweight and spiked antlers. Evidently, desired traits in whitetail deer have forced farmers to genetically manipulate these mammals for the improvement of antler qualities, essential for given uses