Velvet Production Research Articles

Velvet Antler Production and Hematological Changes in Male Sika Deers Fed with Spent Mushroom Substrate.

Simple SummaryVelvet antler from sika (and other deer species) is a highly valued nutraceutical in traditional Chinese medicine, a market of hundreds of million dollars. Thus, in this case, and in deer breeding in general, reducing the feeding cost of male sika deer is important to improving the profitability of breeding for velvet antlers. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a waste culture medium for mushrooms. The improper handling of SMS causes environmental pollution. Since SMS can be digested and absorbed by ruminants such as sika deer, replacing SMS with a sika deer concentrate supplement can fully utilize the waste resource of SMS and reduce the production cost of velvet antler.At present, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a waste resource that is producing a pollution problem in China, and which has some use as animal feed or fertilizer, has not been assessed as a feed for deer. The purpose of this study is to expand the feed of male sika deer and reduce the feeding cost by using the waste resource of SMS. The 10% concentrated supplement was replaced with SMS and the feed intake, apparent digestibility, blood index and velvet production of male sika deer were measured. As the results showed, compared to the control group, the substitution of SMS for 10% of the concentrate supplement decreased the concentration of IgA (p < 0.01), replacing 10% concentrated supplement with SMS of Pleurotus ostreatus (SMS-MP) reduced the intake of organic matter (OMI) and improved the digestibility of ether extract (EE), while replacing 10% concentrated supplement with SMS of Flammulina velutipes (SMS-MF) had no effect on apparent nutrient digestibility, feed intake, velvet antler production, and biochemical indexes. In conclusion, SMS had no effect on serum biochemical indexes and the ratio of the feed weight of the deer supplement to the weight of velvet antler (p > 0.05). At the same time, SMS could reduce the feed consumption and improve the economy by using SMS as a waste resource.

Determination of the Most Convenient Polyester Thread Supplier in Upholstery Velvet Production by Multi Criteria Decision Making Methods: A Case from Turkey

Determination of the Most Convenient Polyester Thread Supplier in Upholstery Velvet Production by Multi Criteria Decision Making Methods: A Case from Turkey

Silk Velvets Identified as Byzantine

This paper will examine the possibility of whether warp-looped pile velvets, made of silk, were woven during the Byzantine Empire. This study is a continuation of my research for “Velvet and Patronage: the Origin and Historical Background of Ottoman and Italian Velvets.” Research has been conducted under these five themes: 1. Byzantine silk industry; 2. The terminology of velvet in Greek; 3. Velvets in Byzantine written sources; 4. Historical background: the relation between Byzantines and Latin powers, Turks and the Middle East; 5. Latin trade in the Black Sea and 6. Velvet production in Anatolia in the Byzantine period.

Rapid and robust authentication of deer antler velvet product by fast PCR-RFLP analysis

Deer antler velvet is widely used as a vitalizing, tonifying, haemopoietic and strengthening agent for debilitated persons in East Asia. To develop a rapid and sensitive method for the identification of the biological source or origin in antler velvet products, a molecular approach was applied using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The cytochrome b gene sequences of nine cervidae species were analyzed, and a Dde I restriction endonuclease recognition site was found only in sika deer and red deer, the official origin of deer velvet in Chinese pharmacopoeia. A specific primer was designed, and rapid PCR amplified products were subjected to restriction digestion using a fast RFLP procedure. Sika deer and red deer showed two bands of 161 and 102 bp, in contrast to the undigested state of 263 from other antlers. The established PCR-RFLP method was applied in commercial velvet products, and a high frequency of substitution (50%) was revealed in collected commercial samples. The method was successful in detecting contaminated and adulterated antler products in Chinese patent drugs, and the whole detection process was accomplished within 1–1.5 h.

3D simulation model of warp-knitted patterned velvet fabric

Purpose Realistic geometric description is essential for simulating physical properties of warp-knitted velvet fabrics, which are widely used for home-textiles and garments. The purpose of this paper is to provide an approach to the description of patterned piles and propose a customized simulation model to realize highly real-time simulation of warp-knitted velvet fabrics in three dimensions. Design/methodology/approach Based on knitting technology and structure features, a mathematical model to qualify forming possibility of piles is conducted by assessing underlaps of pattern bars and pile ground bars. When the pile areas and ground areas are classified, a three-dimensional (3D) space coordinate is built, of which the z-axis is divided into equal spaces to form certain multi-layer textured slices. Color and transparency of piles on each textured slice can be computed and generated by mapping to 3D geometrical grid layers with particular mapping relationship. Moreover, piles’ deflection and spatial collision are also taken into account to make sure high uniformity with real fabrics. Findings According to the models built, a simulator special for warp-knitted patterned velvet fabrics is programed via Visual C++ and the models are proven practical and easily implemented by comparing simulated effect of one sample with real fabric. Research limitations/implications Because of present limited research, 3D simulation of patterned velvet fabrics knitted on double-needle bar Raschel machine as well as 3D shadow effect will be studied in the further research. Practical implications The paper includes implications for designing patterned velvet products and shows convenience to instantly see finished effect without sampling on machine. Originality/value This paper fulfills a featured simulation method for warp-knitted patterned velvet fabrics in 3D dimensions for the first time.

패션 상품 아이템 개발을 위한 창의적 발상법의 활용 -벨벳 상품의 사례-

Abstract This study presents the process of fashion item development with velvet through creative thinkingmethods. Creativity is one of the most important requirements for a successful job career and educationenhancing creative thinking is needed in the area of fabrication, product design, and marketing strategydevelopment. Velvet was selected as a research stimulus because it is a luxurious fabric with various dif-ferential properties such as a soft touch, unique luster, excellent drapability, and fine physical properties.The research methodology included creative thinking methods review, the selection of the tools, ideasourcing and listing, sequential idea evaluation and sample product making. After review of the variouscreative thinking methods, a combination method and forced connection method were employed as researchtools to confirm the usefulness of creative thinking training because of their independence of use and ap-plication simplicity. A total of 12 university students participated as subjects in this research. After sometraining, each student derived ten ideas for velvet products that utilized a combination method and forcedconnection method. A total of 120 ideas were evaluated for novelty, technical possibility, practicality, andmarketability; subsequently, 24 ideas were adopted and developed as sample products. The effectiveness ofcreativity education in fabrication and product design classes was verified through the whole process ofproduct planning.Key words: Creative thinking, Product development, Velvet, Combination method, Forced connectionmethod; 창의적 발상, 상품 개발, 벨벳, 조합법, 강제연결법

Effects of Dietary Protein Level on Dry Matter Intake, and Production and Chemical Composition of Velvet Antler in Spotted Deer Fed Forest By-product Silage

The aim of this study was to provide basic information to allow improved nutritional management for velvet production by investigating the effects of dietary protein levels on dry matter intake and production and chemical composition of velvet antler in spotted deer (Cervus nippon). Twenty-four spotted deer stags were assigned to 4 unreplicated groups, Control (15% CP in diet, higher dry matter), CP10 (10% CP), CP15 (15% CP) and CP20 (20% CP). The velvet antlers were harvested from each stag on the 55th day after casting of the buttons from the previous set, measured for their size and weight, and the chemical composition of each antler was determined in three sections (top, middle, and base). Dry matter (DMI) and crude protein (CPI) intake were highest (p<0.05) for the Control and increased progressively (p<0.05) with increasing dietary protein level. Although not significant, mean length and girth of the main antler beam tended to be larger in either left or right beam with increasing protein level in the diet, longest in CP20 and shortest in CP10. Velvet antler production was lowest in CP10 and highest in CP20, which differed significantly (p<0.05). Only negligible differences were found between groups in chemical composition. It is concluded that dietary protein clearly influenced dry matter intake and velvet antler production, whereas there was comparatively little effect of dietary protein on chemical composition of antler in

Changes of Chemical Composition in Blood Serum during the Antler Growth Period in Spotted Deer (Cervus nippon)

The aim of this study was to provide basic haematological information to allow improved nutritional management for velvet production in spotted deer (Cervus nippon) by investigating biochemical changes in blood values during the antler growth period. Blood samples, obtained from the jugular vein of twenty-five deer, were taken every 10 days from casting (day 0) to harvesting (day 50) of velvet antler. Negligible changes were found in the concentrations of total protein, albumin, and creatinine during the antler growth period, but there were significant changes in the concentrations of urea (p<0.05) and uric acid (p<0.01). The concentration of triglyceride was significantly higher (p<0.05) during the antler growth period compared to casting time, while serum high-density lipoprotein concentrations were low and remained unchanged during the antler growth period. Serum glucose concentration increased (p<0.05) significantly and was slightly changeable during antler growth. The serum concentrations of Ca and P did not fluctuate during antler growth, while those of Na, K and Cl showed slight differences between the time of casting and the rest of the antler growth period. No significant changes in concentrations of AST, ALT, amylase, CK, GGT and LDH were detected during the antler growth period. However, the concentration of ALK-P increased during antler growth reaching its peak on day 50 after casting. We found a significant difference in the concentration of ALK-P between the time of casting and the rest of the antler growth period (p<0.01). Consequently, antler growth was associated with mild changes in measured serum biochemical values with the exception of ALK-P activity in spotted deer.

사료의 단백질 수준이 Red Deer(Cervus elaphus)의 녹용생산에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 급여사료의 단백질 수준과 고단백질 사료의 급여시기가 레드디어의 녹용생산성에 미치는 영향을 검토하기 위해 급여사료의 단백질 수준을 13%(LL구)와 19%(HH구)로 달리하였으며 또한 단백질 함량 19%의 사료 급여시기를 각각 낙각 전(HH구)과 낙각 시점(LH구)으로 달리하여 사양실험을 실시했다. 녹용의 주간 둘레는 상대, 중대 및 하대 부위의 둘레를 합산한 평균치로서 1998년과 1999년의 실험 모두 HH구에서 가장 높았으나 나머지 두 처리구와의 사이에 유의적인 차이는 인정되지 않았다(P>0.05). 녹용의 주간 길이 역시 2년간의 실험에서 모두 HH구가 가장 길었고 LH구가 가장 짧았으나 유의성(P>0.05)은 인정되지 않았다. 급여사료의 단백질 수준에 따른 처리간의 차이는 인정되지 않았으나 녹용의 주간 둘레와 길이는 각각 녹용생산에 밀접한(P<0.01) 관계가 있는 것으로 분석되었다. 녹용생산성에 있어서는 1998년의 경우 HH구가 평균 2,600<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>1,000g으로서 가장 높았고 LH구가 2,287<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>826g으로 가장 낮은 생산성을 나타냈으나 처리간의 유의성(P>0.05)은 인정되지 않았다. 1999년의 실험에서도 HH구가 평균 3,038 <TEX>$\pm$</TEX>867g으로 가장 높은 생산성을 보였으며 LH구가 2,739<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>1,079g으로 가장 낮은 생산성을 나타냈으나 역시 처리간에 유의성은 인정되지 않았다. 일당 녹용생산량은 1998년의 경우 HH구가 43<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>16g으로 가장 높았고 LH구가 38<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>15g으로 가장 낮았으나 처리간의 유의성은 인정되지 않았다. 또한 1999년의 실험에서도 같은 경향이 나타났다. Three dietary treatments were compared over two years to determine the effects of dietary protein levels and feeding patterns on velvet production in red deer (Cervus elaphus). The LL group received a 13% protein diet whereas the HH group received a 19% protein diet. The LH group switched from the low to high protein diet at the time of antler casting. Significant relationships were found between velvet production and the girth and length of main beam (p<0.01), daily growth rate of velvet (p<0.01), body weight at cutting time (p<0.05 in 1998 and p<0.01 in 1999), date of casting (p<0.01), and body weight and velvet production of the previous year (p<0.05 in 1998 and p<0.01 in 1999). Different levels of protein in diets in this study did not show statistically significant different effects in general. The girth of velvet, summed for top, middle and bottom of the main beam, tended to be thickest in HH for two years and thinnest in LL for 1998 and in LH for 1999. The main beam tended to be longest in HH at 46.3cm in 1998 and 45.2cm in 1999 and shortest in LH at 39.9cm in 1998 and 41.5cm in 1999. Velvet fresh weight tended to be highest in HH at 2,600<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>1,000g in 1998 and 3,038<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>867g in 1999 and lowest in LH at 2,287<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>826g in 1998 and 2,739<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>1,079g in 1999. Daily growth rate of velvet antler tended to be greatest in HH (43<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>16g/day in 1998 and 51<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>14g/day in 1999) and least in LH (38<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>15g/day in 1998 and 45<TEX>$\pm$</TEX>18g/day in 1999).

Deer industry expansion and wealth creation

The New Zealand deer industry is projected to grow strongly over the next decade with venison and velvet production forecast by some models to increase by 16740 tonnes (67%) and 300 tonnes (60%), respectively, in the next four years alone. Commensurate growth in high paying markets is required to prevent these raw materials becoming commodities with associated downward pressure on prices achieved by the industry. Furthermore, growth in supply will generate increasing volumes of co-products, for which market opportunities need to be developed. The deer industry is thus following the classical technology S curve and requires further innovation to maintain wealth for its participants. The industry has worked with research providers to develop a R&amp;D strategy to counter commodification, by supporting the expansion of the industry into year-round chilled venison products into niche markets and developing new enterprises from deer co-products. DEEResearch was formed to provide research direction and increase effective industry investment into R&amp;D through better coordination of research and a combination of funding directly from the industry and additional funds leveraged from other sources. As a relatively small industry, the deer industry faces the challenge of assembling the critical mass and investment necessary to support expansion. Crown funding is critical to overcoming these constraints and the industry's progressive and united vision is important in securing this. Keywords: Deer industry, research coordination, strategy

Progress on nutritional requirements of deer farmed for velvet production in China

Research in China has shown a marked variation in the energy and protein requirements of sika deer (Cervus nippon) for velvet antler production as the stag grows. Information includes energy and protein requirements for male sika deer throughout their life and pregnant and lactating females. Estimates of energy utilization and methane production are also included. Protein requirements during early growth and development of the stag are high, while they decline as the stag ages. Protein requirements during velvet antler growth are higher than during other times of year. The maintenance energy requirements of the male sika deer of 0.52 MJME/ kgBW0.75 are similar to those estimated for red deer. The Chinese system of reporting gross energy, digestible energy and digestible protein requirements has been converted into metabolisable energy requirements and diet protein concentrations for the New Zealand feeding system to aid interpretation. Keywords: Cervus nippon, deer, energy, feed requirements, methane, protein, sika, velvet antler

Copper supplementation, velvet antler production and growth of rising 2-year-old red deer stags

AIMS: To investigate whether copper supplementation to rising 2-year-old red deer stags (Cervus elaphus) in winter and/or spring improved velvet antler weight, grade and financial value, and liveweight gain. METHODS: Rising 2-year-old red deer stags (n=142) on a commercial deer farm in Hawke's Bay were allocated to two groups on May 14, 1996. One group received 20 g boluses of copper-oxide wire particles. On August 15 each group was reallocated in a crossover design, each sub-group receiving either the same copper-oxide treatment or no treatment, to produce control, winter-only, winter-plus-spring, and spring-only copper treatment groups. Blood samples were collected for serum ferroxidase measurements from seven deer per group and all deer were weighed at 4–6-week intervals. Dates of antler casting and velvet removal, and velvet antler weight and grade were recorded, and the financial value of velvet calculated. Livers from a sample of deer slaughtered at the end of the trial mid-December were analysed to determine copper content. RESULTS: Supplementation with copper did not significantly alter velvet antler weight, daily velvet antler growth rate, days from casting to removal, grade or value, or stag liveweight gain. Serum ferroxidase concentrations averaged 10.0–23.7 IU/1 in control deer. Copper supplementation increased mean serum ferroxidase concentrations by approximately 10 IU/1. Mean liver copper concentration in control deer was 99 µmol/kg and ranged from 194 to 386 µmol/kg in the three treated groups. CONCLUSION: Group mean serum ferroxidase concentrations of 10 IU/1 and above are adequate for optimum velvet production and liveweight gain in rising 2-year-old stags.

To Use or Not to Use Deer Velvet Antler: Informed Decision Making Is Vital

Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVol. 8, No. 4 Op-EdTo Use or Not to Use Deer Velvet Antler: Informed Decision Making Is VitalKathy Abascal and Eric YarnellKathy AbascalSearch for more papers by this author and Eric YarnellSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:5 Jul 2004https://doi.org/10.1089/107628002320351316AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail "To Use or Not to Use Deer Velvet Antler: Informed Decision Making Is Vital." , 8(4), pp. 205–206FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 8Issue 4Aug 2002 To cite this article:Kathy Abascal and Eric Yarnell.To Use or Not to Use Deer Velvet Antler: Informed Decision Making Is Vital.Alternative and Complementary Therapies.Aug 2002.205-206.http://doi.org/10.1089/107628002320351316Published in Volume: 8 Issue 4: July 5, 2004PDF download

Genetic analysis of velvet antler yield in farmed elk (Cervus elaphus)

Data from the Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development data base, which keeps inventories of elk producers and velvet production information (n = 12 724), were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic variances, heritability and repeatability estimates for velvet antler using REML methods. The heritability based on the animal models I and II was 0.27 ± 0.03 and the repeatability ranged from 0.31 ± 0.02 to 0.35 ± 0.03 depending on the animal model used. Antler yield is expected to respond to selection as the heritability is medium, but non-additive and environmental effects can also influence production. Key words: Elk, heritability, repeatability, antler production

25. A comparison of symptoms in subclinical and clinical mastitis cases in cows

Deer farmers maintaining stag herds for velvet antler production are interested in: selection of stags for superior lifetime performance; selection of sires and dams to produce improved sons; and management of the stag herd to increase returns from velvet antler. Knowledge of genetic and phenotypic relationships between weights of velvet antler harveste+d at different ages and between winter liveweights and velvet antler weights will allow benefits from selection and some management practices to be quantified. This paper reports estimates of these relationships from a study involving some 2021 stags with two-year old velvet antler records representing 92 sire progeny groups distributed over five farms. Heritability estimates (s.e.) for velvet antler weight at successive ages from 2- to 8-year old stags ranged from 0.43 (0.09) to 0.85 (0.33). The average estimated genetic correlation between velvet weights in successive years was 0.97 (0.07) but declined to 0.76 (0.29) as the number of years between harvests increased. Phenotypic correlations were consistently lower than genetic correlations. Treating log-transformed velvet weight as a repeatable trait resulted in an estimated heritability of 0.36 (0.08) with a repeatability of 0.64 (0.08) and s.d. of 0.11 (log scale). Average velvet production in kg (Y) can be predicted from age in years (X) from the following equation: log10(Y) = −0.37 + 0.33X − 0.044X2 + 0.002X3Within a cohort of stags of the same age, heavier stags produced heavier velvet antlers, with an average genetic correlation of 0.74 (0.21) and phenotypic correlation 0.44 (0.04). The genetic correlation between liveweight of hinds at two years of age and velvet antler weight at various ages averaged 0.5 (0.19). Liveweights had high heritabilities in both sexes and at all ages with estimates ranging from 0.48 (0.36) to 0.80 (0.12). Average heritabilities across adult ages were 0.54 (0.27) and 0.62 (0.20). Ignoring sex differences, the average genetic and phenotypic correlations between successive liveweights were 0.93 (0.26) and 0.85 (0.04), respectively. The average genetic correlation between stag and hind liveweights at the same age was 0.73 (0.30). Comparing different cohorts of stags of the same age, there was no relationship between average liveweights and average velvet weights. As stags aged, the average weights of velvet antler and liveweight increased. Describing velvet antler weight in kg (y) as a non-linear function of liveweight in kg (X), the allometric equation was Y = 0.21 X1.4, indicating velvet antler weight is later maturing than liveweight.

Inheritance of adult velvet antler weights and live weights in farmed red deer

Deer farmers maintaining stag herds for velvet antler production are interested in: selection of stags for superior lifetime performance; selection of sires and dams to produce improved sons; and management of the stag herd to increase returns from velvet antler. Knowledge of genetic and phenotypic relationships between weights of velvet antler harveste+d at different ages and between winter liveweights and velvet antler weights will allow benefits from selection and some management practices to be quantified. This paper reports estimates of these relationships from a study involving some 2021 stags with two-year old velvet antler records representing 92 sire progeny groups distributed over five farms. Heritability estimates (s.e.) for velvet antler weight at successive ages from 2- to 8-year old stags ranged from 0.43 (0.09) to 0.85 (0.33). The average estimated genetic correlation between velvet weights in successive years was 0.97 (0.07) but declined to 0.76 (0.29) as the number of years between harvests increased. Phenotypic correlations were consistently lower than genetic correlations. Treating log-transformed velvet weight as a repeatable trait resulted in an estimated heritability of 0.36 (0.08) with a repeatability of 0.64 (0.08) and s.d. of 0.11 (log scale). Average velvet production in kg ( Y ) can be predicted from age in years ( X ) from the following equation: log 10 ( Y ) = −0.37 + 0.33 X − 0.044 X 2 + 0.002 X 3 Within a cohort of stags of the same age, heavier stags produced heavier velvet antlers, with an average genetic correlation of 0.74 (0.21) and phenotypic correlation 0.44 (0.04). The genetic correlation between liveweight of hinds at two years of age and velvet antler weight at various ages averaged 0.5 (0.19). Liveweights had high heritabilities in both sexes and at all ages with estimates ranging from 0.48 (0.36) to 0.80 (0.12). Average heritabilities across adult ages were 0.54 (0.27) and 0.62 (0.20). Ignoring sex differences, the average genetic and phenotypic correlations between successive liveweights were 0.93 (0.26) and 0.85 (0.04), respectively. The average genetic correlation between stag and hind liveweights at the same age was 0.73 (0.30). Comparing different cohorts of stags of the same age, there was no relationship between average liveweights and average velvet weights. As stags aged, the average weights of velvet antler and liveweight increased. Describing velvet antler weight in kg ( y ) as a non-linear function of liveweight in kg ( X ), the allometric equation was Y = 0.21 X 1.4 , indicating velvet antler weight is later maturing than liveweight.

The effects of grazing chicory (Cichorium intybus) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) on venison and velvet production by young red and hybrid deer

The effects of grazing chicory, Lotus corniculatus, and perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture on growth, voluntary feed intake (VFI), and venison and velvet production was studied in red and hybrid deer from weaning to slaughter at one year of age. Twenty five percent of red and 75% of hybrid stags attained the target slaughter weight (50 kg carcass or greater) when grazing pasture and spiker velvet antler weight was low (approximately 0.2 kg/stag). Mean carcass weight of deer grazing chicory was higher than for deer grazing pasture (P < 0.05), due to increased liveweight gain (LWG) in both autumn and spring, and to higher dressing‐out percentage at slaughter. Carcass weights for red and hybrid stags were 56.0 and 59.3 kg, respectively, when grazed on chicory and 48.6 and 53.3 kg, respectively, when grazed on pasture (P < 0.01). Hybrid hinds grazing chicory had a significantly higher carcass weight (P < 0.05) and dressing‐out percentage (P < 0.01) than those grazing pasture.Chicory had a higher organic matter digestibility (OMD) than pasture, and VFI was higher than on pasture during autumn but was similar in spring. Relative to pasture, chicory grazing increased total spiker velvet antler production (323 v 225 g/stag) by advancing the dates of pedicle initiation, antler initiation, and of first velvet cutting and increasing the rate of velvet antler length growth. Initiation of velvet growth was correlated with liveweight (LW), with each 10 kg increase in LW advancing the dates of pedicle initiation, commencement of velvet growth, and first velvet cutting by 10, 18, and 13 days, respectively. Earlier velvet growth in deer fed chicory could thus largely be explained by the higher liveweight of deer grazing this forage.Observations from deer grazing lotus were limited due to problems with lotus establishment. Grazing lotus increased LWG of stags during autumn compared with perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture (248 v 176 g/day) and increased the efficiency of growth in spring, with LWG being similar to deer grazing pasture, but VFI being lower (1.53 v 2.00 kg OM/day). OMD of lotus was higher than pasture during autumn, but not in spring. Stags grazing lotus produced similar velvet antler weight to stags grazing pasture.Total condensed tannin (CT) concentration in hand plucked and oesophageal fistulae (OF) extrusa samples, respectively, were 48 v 13 g/kg OM for lotus, 3.1 v 5.8 g/kg OM for chicory, and 0.3 v 1.5 g/kg OM for pasture. It was concluded that chicory was of high feeding value for increasing venison and velvet production from young deer. Results suggest that the CT content of lotus may improve the efficiency of growth in young deer.