Antlers by Dennis Walrod

Author:Dennis Walrod
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780811742146
Publisher: Stackpole Books
Published: 2013-03-17T04:00:00+00:00

In late summer, before the bone structure of the elk antler is fully formed and while there is still a flood of growth nutrients contained within it, the farmed elk antler can be surgically removed and then prepared for human consumption as a nutraceutical.

The cut velvet antlers are frozen as soon as possible; otherwise, they would spoil as quickly as a venison steak. Later, during processing, they are dried at a low temperature, the covering of skin and hair is removed and discarded, and the remaining whole antler is ground and pulverized into a powder. The powder can be placed into capsules or made into various forms of extracts, tinctures, and ointments. In Asia, one preferred method of processing involves cutting the whole antler into thin slices that are then dried and packaged as is.

There are two things to consider about antler removal: the potential for harmful drug residues to remain in the velvet product, and the possible effects of stress on the size of future antlers. It’s well known that if during the rut a wild elk bull or buck deer loses a battle or otherwise experiences the stress of prolonged competition with several other males, his antlers will usually be smaller the following year. Small antlers aren’t worth as much as larger ones, so it behooves the velvet farmers to develop methods of antler removal that are as gentle as possible. Tranquilizers are a possibility, but that’s easier said than done, and it presents a set of problems of its own if the drug remains in the antler.

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