Velvet antler — growing antler covered in skin and nerves — is harvested from farmed deer (primarily red deer and wapiti) primarily for Asian traditional medicine markets. New Zealand is the world's largest producer. Velvet antler is innervated and vascularised; removal without anaesthesia causes demonstrable pain responses including vocalisation, struggling, and elevated cortisol. New Zealand regulations mandate anaesthesia for velvet removal, representing a significant welfare advance. Other producing countries (China, Russia, Canada) have variable or no anaesthesia requirements. Post-removal wound management and infection risk require veterinary oversight. Animal welfare organisations advocate for global anaesthesia mandates. Research on alternative non-invasive antler products and farm management practices to reduce harvest frequency is ongoing.