Tissue Relationships in the Development of Pedicles and Antlers in the Virginia Deer

Excision of skin from the presumptive pedicle region of fawns during the early months of life does not prevent the subsequent growth of pedicles and antlers. Removal of the osseous primordium of the frontal pedicle with or without the overlying skin completely arrests future development of the pedicle. The importance of the bony rudiment (or its adherent connective tissues) for successful pedicle formation is discussed in relation to the contrasting situation in the production of horns and antlers.