Species of Deer Used for Antler Velvet

Important Note: This information about health optimizations is intended to help you make informed decisions as part of your efforts to cultivate the inherent health of your body and mind. This information is not medical advice and does not address health concerns, diseases, or disease risk reduction. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

There are four main species of deer whose antlers are harvested for velvet:

Sika Deer a.k.a. Plum Blossom

1. Sika Deer

   • Native to Asia and raised on traditional farms in China.
   • Produces the most potent and medicinally valuable velvet.
   • Antlers are the smallest, weighing less than 1 kilogram.
   • Typical daily serving size of 500mg to 2,000mg.

Caribou Reindeer

1. Caribou Reindeer

   • Wild-harvested and game-managed in Siberia and North America
   • Velvet is traditionally used in medicinal alcohol extracts.
   • Antlers are medium-sized, weighing 1-3 kilograms.
   • Offers medium-high potency
   • Average daily serving size is 1,000mg to 3,000mg

Red Elephant Deer

1. Red Deer

   • Native to Europe and commercially farmed in New Zealand
   • Velvet is known for being nutrient-rich
   • Antlers are also medium-sized, weighing 2-3 kilograms
   • Average potency.
   • Typical daily serving size is 1,000mg to 4,000mg

Wapiti Elk

1. Elk

   • Raised by independent ranchers in North America
   • Velvet is lower in potency but easy to consume in larger servings for its minerals and collagens
   • Antlers are the largest, weighing up to 4 kilograms
   • Daily serving size of 3,000mg to 5,000mg
   • Important to ensure elk velvet is sourced from reputable ranches to avoid chronic wasting disease

Each species has unique characteristics and traditional uses, offering a range of options for those seeking the benefits of deer antler velvet.