Antler growth and osteoporosis I. Morphological and morphometric changes in the costal compacta during the antler growth cycle

Abstract

Abstract Three three‐year‐old Rocky Mountain mule deer were studied for a year to determine the role of skeletal mineral in antler growth. Costal biopsy material, which was obtained at four‐week intervals, was analyzed histologically and histometrically. There was a cyclic mobilization of costal cortical bone during antler growth despite the dietary access to high quantities of elements essential for bone development. Following antler growth the ribs returned to a stable configuration with few resorption spaces. Corresponding to the period of possible weakening from the internal remodeling, there also appeared to be a thickening of the cortical bone by circumferential lamellar addition. A cyclic physiological osteoporosis was produced.