Differences in dominance rank among red deer (Cervus elaphus) females (hinds) on Rhum were related to their breeding success as well as to the comparative success of male and female offspring. Males (stags) born to mothers above median rank were more successful than hinds, while hinds born to subordinate mothers were more successful than stags. The ratio of male to female calves produced by dominant mothers was significantly higher than that produced by subordinates. Since dominance rank among hinds is related to their body weight as adults and to their birth weight, these results suggest that the birth sex ratio may be affected by environmental factors operating during a female's early development.
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