FAQs

What Is Deer Velvet? Each spring the male deer grows a new set of antlers. In their early stage of growth these antlers are called Deer Velvet, and consist of cartilage with an abundant blood supply and a covering of velvety skin. Inside they resemble bone marrow. If they are not removed the Deer Velvet continues to grow into bone and eventually become the long hard antler seen on wild deer. During the autumn/winter mating season the stags use these as weapons to fight each other in the quest to be the strongest male. For this reason it is important when farming deer to remove the antlers in order to prevent the animals from harming each other. The hard antlers are naturally cast in the early spring when the new antlers begin to grow again. Fortunately Deer Velvet has a commercial use. When it has been growing for around 60 days it contains the optimum nutrients for use as a dietary supplement and can be removed without harm to the animal. Once removed it is cooled then immediately frozen before going on to be freeze dried, sterilised and processed into capsules.

What About The Deer? Does removing the velvet harm them? No. We love farming deer and we care about them. All antler is removed by trained personnel, in a humane manner and in accordance with the NZ National Standard’s Code of Practice for animal welfare. Analgesia is used to ensure the deer are comfortable and they can be found grazing happily on open green pastures soon after. Canes Deer Velvet Antler is a renewable resource, with stags growing a new set of antlers each year. These are removed not only for commercial reasons, but also to prevent stags harming each other during the mating season.

Why Do We Need To Supplement For Joint Pain? Our diet has changed dramatically over the years. In years gone by soups and stews were always on the cooker and included all the bones and gristle (or cartilage) to prevent waste. They were cooked for long periods to flavour and tenderise. These meals contained an abundance of nutrients including the glucosamines and chondroitin type nutrients that are found in deer velvet. In today's busy world we tend to eat less of these and more convenient and pre prepared or processed foods. As a consequence many of us a lacking in joint nutrients and are troubled by joint pain.

Can You Take Deer Velvet With Other Medications And Supplements? Because Deer Velvet is a meat or bone type product, it is completely natural and unlikely to interfere with other medications. We are not aware of any medication or supplement that cannot be taken with Deer Velvet, but as with most dietary supplements it is recommended that you consult you health professional if you have a medical condition. Please Email Kathy if you'd like to discuss your own situation. If your health professional is unfamiliar with the properties of Deer Velvet please invite them to contact Kathy on info@canesdeervelvet.com or +64 7 333 8075.

Is There Anyone Who Should Not Take Deer Velvet? Deer Velvet is not recommended for people who are prone to allergic reaction to proteins or people with cancer.

I Thought Deer Velvet Was An Aphrodisiac? This is a common misconception, but it does have some basis. Deer Velvet promotes general well-being and healthy circulation (in all areas!) When you're feeling great you may find improved sexual function to be a very pleasant (we hope!) side effect.