There are many breeds of deer, with the sika deer being the most popular at present. Deer farming has relatively high requirements, and farmers need to choose suitable breeding sites based on their characteristics. The conditions required for deer farming are as follows:
1. Site conditions
Deer farms should not be located near industrial or mining areas or public facilities, nor should they be built in places contaminated with infectious diseases affecting cattle and sheep, or on pastures. Attention should also be paid to the availability of resources near the site, such as the availability of building materials and sufficient labor. Deer farming should be carried out in relatively dry, south- or southeast-facing locations with a 5-degree slope, featuring sandy or low-lying soil. In mountainous areas, the location should be sheltered from wind and water, and have good drainage.
2. Feed conditions
Deer are ruminants , consuming less food than cattle and sheep, and are more tolerant of roughage. All crop stalks, by-products, green branches and fallen leaves, and wormwood are good feed for deer. Generally, each fully captive sika deer needs an average of 350-400 kg of concentrated feed and 1750-2000 kg of roughage per year, thus requiring abundant pastures all year round.
3. Water source conditions
Before establishing a deer farm, it is necessary to conduct necessary surveys and investigations on groundwater level, natural water sources, water quantity, and water quality, and pay attention to the inorganic salt content in the water. It is also important to avoid using natural water sources such as rivers or polluted water sources near the site.
4. Traffic conditions
The ideal location for a deer farm is 1.0-1.5 kilometers from a highway and 5-10 kilometers from a railway to facilitate the supply of equipment and feed, the delivery of products, and the living conditions of the staff. Sufficient electricity should also be available, and the farm should be located close to a power source.
5. Breeding conditions
Sika deer mostly live in groups, are highly adaptable, widely distributed, and not sensitive to environmental factors, breeding throughout China and even the world. Sika deer are highly malleable, especially fawns, which can be trained to respond to human calls, petting, herding, and leading, becoming as docile as cattle and sheep.
