Does nutrition affect bone porosity and mineral tissue distribution in deer antlers? The relationship between histology, mechanical properties and mineral composition

► Porosity is related to diet and physiological effort in deer. ► Porosity increases in the antler growth axis more in deer under poorer diet. ► K and Zn explained material mechanical properties better than porosity. ► Zn is located in incomplete osteons and complete ones still mineralizing. ► K and Zn in bone may be an early indicator of decrease in mechanical properties.