WHAT IS VELVET DEER ANTLER?
Deer antlers grow at incredible speed and, after several weeks, as the antlers reach their final size, the cartilage within them gradually converts into bone. In the final process, the antler's blood supply and nerves are lost. When the antlers have fully hardened, the stags rub them against trees or rocks to remove the skin that remains. As a result of this rubbing, the deer develop sharp bony weapons for combat against threats to their harem of females during the autumn rut or mating season.
Each Spring the antler cycle begins anew and the skin around the pedicle expands and grows, initiating new antler growth. The hard antler from the previous season is cast off and the growth of the new season's velvet crop begins. It is then that the velvet is harvested for its medicinal and performance qualities.
When the Velvet Deer Antler has been removed, it is allowed to cool on tilted racks just before being frozen. It is then ready to be processed. If it is removed at the right time, while still in the cartilaginous state, almost all of the antler can be used for medicinal purposes.
Nutronics Labs deer antler velvet is humanely harvested on our farms in New Zealand with absolutely no harm to the deer. This is done under complete veterinary supervision, paying particularly close attention to the deer's best interest and keeping the animals healthy and vibrant. We use vitamins and special feeds in the raising of the stags. The herd is kept in a healthy, viable setting in which they thrive and roam freely. The New Zealand government code of velveting emphasizes on protecting the deer from harm or stress.
