Farmed Deer Antler Velvet and Welfare

The harvesting of antler velvet from farmed deer for medicinal markets is a welfare-significant procedure that demands careful regulation and veterinary oversight.

Key Facts

Antler velvet is the soft tissue covering growing antlers in deer and is harvested primarily for Asian medicinal markets
Velvet harvesting in New Zealand requires anaesthesia and is regulated by the Deer Industry
In unregulated contexts, velvet is sometimes removed from conscious animals, causing significant pain
Growing antlers have a rich blood and nerve supply, making removal without anaesthesia extremely painful
New Zealand is the world's largest farmed deer velvet producer, with approximately one million deer

Welfare Considerations

The welfare implications of antler velvet harvesting depend entirely on whether adequate anaesthesia and pain management are used. Under properly supervised conditions with appropriate anaesthesia, the acute welfare impact can be minimised, though some stress remains from handling and restraint. In unregulated contexts, particularly in some parts of Asia, velvet removal from conscious animals causes severe pain. Consumer pressure on sourcing standards and support for regulated, veterinary-supervised procedures can help improve welfare standards across the global trade.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing antler velvet products unless you can verify they were produced under veterinary-supervised, anaesthetised harvest conditions
Support New Zealand deer industry welfare standards as a model for international regulation
Advocate for mandatory anaesthesia requirements in all jurisdictions where deer velvet is harvested
Raise awareness among traditional medicine consumers about welfare conditions in velvet production
Engage retailers selling velvet supplements to require welfare certification from their suppliers