Effects of Compulsory Casting on Velvet Antler Growth in Sika Deer

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of physical stimulus on casting day of antler, velvet antler yield, length of velvet antler in Sika deer (Cervus nippon). Eigthen (18) stags were assigned into the treatment with six (6) stags for treatment. Results revealed that at the start of the velvet antler growth, compulsorily casting both pedicles group was 15 days later at first cycle but 11~14 days earlier at the second cycle than control group (P<0.05). The yields of velvet antler in control group, casting only left pedicle group and the both pedicle group were 775 g, 835 g and 757 g at the first cycle and 1,004 g, 1,194 g and 998 g at the second cycle, respectively. The average length of antler in control group, casting only left pedicle group and both pedicle group were 25.8 cm, 27.4 cm and 31.5cm, respectively. The average length of antler of the casting only left pedicle group and that of the both pedicle group showed 1.6 cm and 5.7cm in first cycle and 2.7cm and 2.4cm in second cycle longer than that of control group(P<0.05). Results of the study suggest the possibility of controlling velvet antler producing point through compulsory casting method.