Deer are known to be browsers, meaning they eat a wide variety of plants, leaves, twigs, and other vegetation. However, whether deer can eat cherries is a bit more complicated regarding fruit. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and the potential implications for cherry growers and gardeners.
The Nutritional Value of Cherries
Cherries are a drupe, a fruit with a hard pit inside a juicy flesh. They are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are also a good source of dietary fibre, essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
However, when it comes to deer, the nutritional value of cherries is not the primary concern. Instead, the question is whether deer can eat and digest cherries without problems.
Can Deer Digest Cherries?
Deer have a complex digestive system, allowing them to break down and digest various plants and vegetation. However, the acidity of cherries can be problematic for deer. Cherries are high in malic acid, which deer do not well tolerate. This means that if a deer eats a lot of cherries, it could experience stomach upset, diarrhoea, and other digestive problems.
Are Cherries Poisonous to Deer?
Cherries are not poisonous to deer, but as mentioned above, they can cause stomach upset and other digestive problems if consumed in large quantities. Cherries contain cyanogenic compounds, which can release cyanide in the gut. This can be toxic to deer and other animals if consumed in large amounts.
Implications for Cherry Growers and Gardeners
If you’re a cherry grower or gardener, the fact that deer can’t eat cherries without experiencing stomach upset is good news. This means that deer are less likely to damage your cherry trees or eat your cherries.
However, it’s important to note that deer will still be attracted to your cherry trees for other reasons, such as the twigs and leaves. Therefore, protecting your cherry trees from deer damage is still essential.
FAQ
Q: Is it safe for deer to eat cherries?
A: Yes, cherries are safe for deer to eat and do not pose any harm to them.
Q: Do deer prefer cherries over other types of food?
A: It is not clear if deer prefer cherries over other types of food, as their diet can vary depending on the availability of different kinds of plants and fruits in their environment.
Q: Can I feed cherries to deer in my backyard?
A: Yes, you can feed cherries to deer in your backyard, but it is essential to keep in mind that it is illegal to provide wild deer in some areas, and it can also disrupt their natural foraging habits.
Q: Can deer damage cherry trees by eating fruit?
A: While deer can eat cherries, they are not likely to cause significant damage to cherry trees by eating the fruit. Deer may damage cherry trees by rubbing their antlers on the trunk or branches or eating the bark or leaves.
Conclusion
Deer can technically eat cherries, but it’s not a good idea. The acidity of cherries can cause stomach upset and other digestive problems for deer. The cyanogenic compounds in cherries can release cyanide in the gut, which can be toxic to deer. For these reasons, cherry growers and gardeners can rest easy knowing that deer are unlikely to damage their cherry trees or eat their cherries.
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