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Mineral Licks
In Indiana, white-tailed deer can obtain all of their
dietary requirements with the exception of sodium
(Na) in most habitats. White-tailed deer and other
herbivores require sodium for regulation of fluid
volume and blood pressure, maintenance of osmotic
balances and buffer systems, and conduction of nerve
impulses. Sodium is not readily available in the plant
materials that they consume since most plants do not
require sodium. Therefore, deer actively seek sources
of sodium. This salt drive is highest in deer during the
spring and summer (Weeks and Kirkpatrick 1976).
The amount of water and potassium in the diet impacts
the ability of deer to retain sufficient sodium for
metabolic needs. During the spring, many plants deer
consume contain exceptionally high levels of water
and potassium, causing a temporary sodium imbalance
that results in development of the salt drive (Weeks
and Kirkpatrick 1976). Research has shown that antler
mineralization in white-tailed deer reaches its peak
during the late summer when the sodium drive in bucks
is strong. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that
providing supplemental sodium during this time can be
beneficial to deer.
Deer in Indiana seldom move more than about one
mile for salt (Wiles and Weeks 1986). Thus, providing
a supplemental source of sodium (salt blocks) likely
will not alter deer distribution to a great extent;
however, it may attract deer from the local area (about
2 to 3 miles) to a specific site.
reference:
www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-194.pdf
