Over The Horizon

Velvet Antlers

AgResearch Invermay scientist Dr Jimmy Suttie is investigating the possibility of carrying out clinical research into the medicinal properties of deer velvet in Korea, New Zealand's biggest antler velvet market.

Suttie explains that while exported New Zealand velvet is just as good, if not better, than Russian and Chinese deer velvet, Korean families who have stuck with velvet from one country for generations may be reluctant to buy it.

"What we have to do therefore is front up to the industry in Korea with facts and figures about the benefits of New Zealand velvet antler."

It would be very difficult for New Zealand to compete with Russian antlers on size, because the Russians produce huge velvet antlers, but New Zealand is well placed, and is already capitalising on marketing its clean, green image.

Suttie believes research is needed in Korea to assist this marketing approach.

"Most of our research has been laboratory based, but clinical research to scientifically evaluate specific therapeutic properties of velvet antler on humans is also necessary. And it's important to carry out this research in the country we are actually exporting velvet antler to."

"It's a matter of educating Koreans that our velvet antler has scientifically proven benefits, and can stand up to the Russian and Chinese velvet in the market place. And at the same time we can use the knowledge to further process undeveloped velvet antler into more valuable products."

Asian medicine has used deer velvet for centuries, with people attributing to it benefits ranging from protecting against colds to relieving arthritis and aiding with sports injuries.

According to Suttie, there is mounting evidence that velvet antler products do provide benefits, and he now wants to show that New Zealand velvet antler has these therapeutic properties and to come up with specific velvet antler products wanted by the Koreans.