Nameer, P OPrakash, RKAU2019-11-142019-11-142007http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810135285PGThe present study was undertaken with the main objective of generating information on behavioural pattern of selected deer species in captivity, to assess the nutritional value of feed given to the deer, to do a critical evaluation of deer enclosures, to study the texture, shape and size of the faecal matter and to analyze the behaviour and activities of visitors and zookeepers towards animals in the zoo. The study was conducted on the three deer species viz., Hog deer, Sambar and Spotted deer in captivity at Thrissur zoo during the period September 2002 to April 2003. It was observed from the study that all deer species adapted very well to changing conditions. During the study period deer spent more time for resting followed by feeding and they engaged less time in other active behaviour patterns (walking, running, playing, fighting, mating etc.). With reference to activity pattern, resting and feeding/moving showed alternative with proportional intensities. It is well established fact that the living condition of the deer in these zoos are far from comparison to their natural habitat. Food, herd size, competition, nearest neighbour relationship etc., are strikingly different from the deer which are found in natural habitat. Inspite of all adversities all deer species have learnt to adapt amazingly to changing conditions and survive fantastically. The physiological activities of their lives, such as antler casting, rutting, mating, gestation and delivery remain unchanged. The proximate analysis of the feed provided to the deer revealed that feed that is grass or leaves contain 79-82 per cent moisture, 7-9 per cent protein and 10-11 per cent ash and concentrate feed contain 11-80 per cent moisture, 14-18 per cent crude protein and 5-24 per cent ash. The area of enclosure which is provided to the deer are evaluated according to the recommendations of the CZA guidelines. The result shows that the area provided is very less and due to which it may affect the behaviour of deer in captivity. This may be the one of the reason for this Thrissur zoo not recognised by the Central Zoo Authority of India. In sambar pellets are found in groups. The sambar has the biggest sized pellets compared to other deer species in this study. The observations on defecation habits of the spotted deer and hog deer indicated that they had diffuse type of defecation spread all over the enclosure and so no quantitative data could be recorded in this study.ennullThesis