Why is protein so important to antler growth?
Because the growing velvet antler is about 85% protein, so in this case the old adage “you are what you eat” really holds true! Not enough high-quality dietary protein results in not enough antler to make the record books. Q: If the velvet antler is 85% protein, why are minerals so important to antler quality? A: Antlers reach a stage where they stop growing and their protein matrix begins filling in with minerals. This is what makes them dense, hard, heavy and strong. Without the correct amounts and ratios of dietary mineral supplementation, antler quality will suffer. Q: Is the buck or the doe more important for passing on the genetics for big antlers? A: No one knows yet how much of a buck’s genetic potential for big antlers comes from its sire versus its dam. As with many other traits in other species, it’s likely a combination of both. However, we do know that genetic potential is just potential without good nutrition to support it. Without solid nutrition from its days in the wom
