Mortality is closely related to calf weight and doe weight. A 50 percent increase in hind weight increases calf production 161 percent. Fallow deer may be weaned before or after the rut. However, weaning should be done no later than April, when the yearling bucks are beginning to develop spikes. The nutrition of deer is similar to that of sheep.
Fallow deer are about half the size of red deer.
Both species consume considerable grass and browse. The nutrient requirement of a red deer is assumed to be half that of a fallow deer. Much of a deer's growth occurs during the first winter. Growth retarded in the first year cannot be made up in later years, despite high nutrient intake. The appetite of fallow deer tends to decrease over the winter period.