Minerals from plants

Deer get essential minerals from a variety of plants, particularly those rich in calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and trace minerals like magnesium and potassium. Here are some key plant sources:

Browse (Woody Plants)

• Oak (Acorns & Leaves) – Rich in tannins, but also provide some minerals.
• Maple & Aspen Leaves – Contain calcium and other micronutrients.
• Willow & Poplar – Good sources of calcium.
• Dogwood & Sumac – Provide essential minerals like potassium and phosphorus.

Forbs (Herbaceous Broadleaf Plants)

• Clover (White & Red Clover) – High in calcium and phosphorus.
• Alfalfa – Rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
• Dandelion – Contains calcium, iron, and potassium.
• Ragweed – Provides key minerals, including calcium and magnesium.

Grasses

• Wheat, Oats, & Rye – Offer some minerals, particularly phosphorus.
• Native Prairie Grasses (Switchgrass, Bluestem) – Can contribute trace minerals.

Agricultural Crops

• Soybeans & Corn – While lower in minerals, they provide phosphorus.
• Brassicas (Turnips, Radishes, Rape, Kale) – High in calcium and other micronutrients.

Natural Mineral Licks

Deer also seek out natural mineral licks or salt deposits in the soil to supplement sodium, calcium, and phosphorus intake, especially in the spring when antlers are growing and does are nursing fawns.

Minerals needed for health

For fawn development and antler growth, key minerals play a crucial role in bone strength, immune function, and overall health. The most important ones include:

For Fawn Development

Fawns need minerals that support bone formation, muscle growth, and immune function:

• Calcium (Ca) – Essential for bone and skeletal development.
• Phosphorus (P) – Works with calcium to build strong bones.
• Magnesium (Mg) – Supports enzyme function and muscle growth.
• Zinc (Zn) – Critical for immune function and tissue repair.
• Copper (Cu) – Helps in red blood cell formation and proper nervous system development.
• Selenium (Se) – Supports muscle development and immune health.

For Antler Growth

Antler growth requires a high amount of minerals, particularly for rapid bone formation:

• Calcium (Ca) – A primary component of antler structure.
• Phosphorus (P) – Works with calcium to promote dense antler growth.
• Magnesium (Mg) – Important for enzyme activation and bone development.
• Zinc (Zn) – Plays a role in keratin and collagen formation in antlers.
• Copper (Cu) – Supports blood flow and collagen synthesis for strong antlers.
• Manganese (Mn) – Aids in bone formation and connective tissue development.

Best Sources in the Wild & Supplements

Natural sources – Plants, soil minerals, and water.

Mineral blocks & supplements – Commercial mineral blocks often contain these essential minerals to support deer health.

Food sources – Legumes, acorns, and browse plants can contribute to mineral intake.

Is corn good for whitetail deer? 

Corn can have both positive and negative effects on a deer’s body, depending on the circumstances. Here’s how it can be harmful:

Acidosis (Grain Overload)

Deer are ruminants, meaning their stomachs are adapted to digest fibrous foods like leaves, twigs, and natural browse. Corn is high in starch and low in fiber, making it difficult for deer to digest in large amounts.

Sudden ingestion of too much corn can cause ruminal acidosis, where the pH in the stomach drops, leading to bloating, dehydration, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases.

Enterotoxemia (“Overeating Disease”)

Excessive corn consumption can lead to an overgrowth of Clostridium perfringens bacteria, which produce toxins that can be fatal.

This condition is often seen when deer suddenly have access to large amounts of high-carb feed like corn.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Corn lacks key nutrients such as protein, fiber, and essential minerals that deer need for overall health.

A diet too high in corn can lead to muscle loss, weakened immune systems, and poor antler growth in bucks.

Digestive Issues & Dependency

Deer that get used to corn as a food source may become dependent and struggle to digest their natural diet.

When the corn supply stops or changes suddenly, deer can suffer from gut imbalances and digestive stress.

Winter Feeding Dangers

Feeding corn in winter can be particularly harmful. Since deer’s digestive systems slow down and adapt to digesting woody browse, introducing corn suddenly can shock their gut bacteria, leading to a deadly condition called rumen shutdown.

Conclusion

Corn can be beneficial in small amounts when introduced gradually, but too much—especially as a sudden diet change—can cause serious digestive issues and even death. If feeding deer, it’s best to provide natural browse, high-fiber feeds, or specially formulated deer pellets instead of relying on corn alone.