Experimental Induction of Antler Growth

Abstract

When starting my experimental work on the regeneration and transplantation of antlers, I was stimulated by at least three facts. The first was the regeneration of a moose Alces alces antler accidentally broken off together with the pedicle (Jaczewski 1954b). The second was the occurrence of antlers or antler-like structures on different bones of the skull in fossil Cervids or Cervoids (Frick 1937). The third was the abnormal occurrence of antlers in females of living Cervidae (except Rangifer) and the occurrence of additional, abnormal antlers in males. Before discussing the experiments on the induction of antler growth, it seems necessary to present a short recollection of data on the occurrence of antlers in females and of additional antlers in males.