The relationship between maternal physical condition and fetal growth in California mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus californicus) was examined in 1974 and 1975. All does were collected during the last 4 months of pregnancy. Nineteen does and 30 fetuses were collected in 1974, and 27 does and 48 fetuses were collected in 1975. In 1974 there was a significant change (P<.05) in the depot fat indices of the does following the spring migration. This change indicated that the does were in poor physical condition. In 1975 the does maintained their depot fat indices through the course of pregnancy. The drop in maternal condition had no apparent effect on fetal growth as growth rates were not significantly different (P>.05) between years and fawn mortality was 22 percent higher in 1975. Weight relationships between twin fetuses suggested there was a differential growth rate during the last trimester of gestation.
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