Effects of growth stage and position within the beam in the structure and chemical composition of sika deer (Cervus nippon) antlers

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the changes in structural and chemical properties of sika deer antler at different stages of its growth in order to improve scientific assessment of antler’s quality. Eighteen antler samples, harvested on 40, 50 and 60 days after casting were collected from randomly selected deer farms, and the structural properties of antlers were examined. The chemical composition of each antler was determined in the upper, middle and basal section. Our results showed that the crude protein, crude fat (ether extract), uronic acid and sialic acid increased markedly from the base to the upper section, but the ash was higher in the basal section. Collagen content increased significantly from the upper to the basal section in all groups. The structural factors, including length and girth were positively or negatively correlated with the chemical composition such as glycosaminoglycans, ether extract-fat, ash, uronic acid, sialic acid, total sugar and collagen content. These findings may provide useful basic information and identify biomarkers for the association between structural properties and chemical composition during antler growth period, which should facilitate efficient production of high quality antlers for food consumption and as pharmaceutical agents.