LE3 .A278 1977

1977

Dodds, Donald

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

A study of reproduction and productivity of moose (Alces alces americana) in the Nova Scotia counties of Pictou, Antigonish, Cumberland, Colchester, and Guysborough was based on a macroscopic and microscopic examination of 135 ovaries and an analysis of sex and age of 3,159 animals harvested in 1964 and 1966 -1974. Primary corpora 1utea were observed in 41 of 53 adult cows (77.4 percent) with 11 adults (20.8 percent) having double ovulations. No triple ovulations were recorded. The ovulation rate was 98 per 100 adult cows. All yearlings were devoid of primary corpora lutea. However, 6 of 13 yearlings (46.2 percent) had follicles ranging from 7 -10 mm which suggests that they were approaching estrus and might have ovulated at a later date. Eleven of 52 adults (21.2 percent) and 2 of 12 yearling moose (16.7 percent) had degenerating corpora lutea (September or earlier ovulations). Twenty-four of 28 adults (85.7 percent) had conceived during the previous breeding season with 6 of the adults (21.4 percent) having twins. Seven of 14 wear class II cow moose (50.0 percent) had conceived as yearlings during the previous breeding season. Pregnancy rates were 50 calves per 100 yearling cows and 107 calves per 100 adult cows. Net productivity of the herd, as determined by regression analysis, was 27 percent. Gross productivity and rate of increase were 25 and 34 percent, respectively. Yearlings were no more, or no less vulnerable to hunters than adults. Comparison of the Nova Scotia data with that from other regions indicate that the moose in Nova Scotia are as productive as any other North American moose herd studied.

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