The secret to raising deer for spring harvests, as practiced by farmers in Ha Tinh.

These days, more than 50 deer of antler-producing age at the Xuyen Son Production, Trade, Service, and Tourism Cooperative in Cam Hung commune are receiving special care. In addition to traditional feed sources such as grass, leaves, and green vegetables, the cooperative is also investing in supplementary starch-rich feed; for those preparing to produce antlers, the food ration is increased to help the antlers develop quickly and achieve a natural beauty.

Xuyen Son Production, Trade, Service, and Tourism Cooperative is increasing the amount of starch-rich feed given to deer to promote antler growth.

Mr. Tran Dinh Ngoc, from Xuyen Son Production, Trade, Service, and Tourism Cooperative, said: “The period when deer are preparing to grow antlers requires a very large amount of nutrition. Supplementing with starch and diversifying the diet helps the antlers grow quickly and evenly, increase weight, and maintain their natural beauty. In particular, the starch intake is increased by 60-80% compared to normal, focusing on ground corn, corn kernels, dried cassava slices, or rice bran…”

In communes known as the "capitals" of deer farming, such as Huong Son, Son Giang, and Tu My, there are currently over 48,000 deer, of which more than 22,000 are producing antlers. Local people pay special attention to nutrition and hygiene in their enclosures. Farmers share that one of the key secrets is applying a semi-wild farming model: deer are raised in enclosures while also having areas for natural movement.

With proper care during the antler growing season, an average sika deer can gain about 2-3 ounces per season.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thang, Director of Ngoc Linh Deer Cooperative in Son Giang commune, shared: “At our cooperative, deer are raised both in cages and in natural exercise areas. This allows them to exercise and improve their health, which promotes faster, more even, and higher-quality antler growth compared to confinement. This model also helps the antlers develop in the most natural way.”

The deer herd of the Ngoc Linh Sika Deer Cooperative is being cared for in a semi-natural way, aiming to give the deer space to move around and "relieve stress".

In addition, depending on when the deer are about to shed their antlers and grow velvet, breeders will administer antiparasitic vaccinations to improve their health, helping the velvet grow faster, heavier, and more nutritious.

Deer antlers are a primary source of income for many families. The economic value of each pair of antlers can reach tens of millions of dong, providing a considerable income for breeders.

Mr. Tran Dinh Hiep from Ha Linh commune said: “Recognizing the great profit potential from raising spotted deer, we invested in a farm with over 40 deer. Last year, thanks to meticulous care, revenue from deer antlers reached over 300 million VND. At this time, we are focusing on carefully caring for the deer to ensure a successful harvest.”

Starch supplementation should be based on individual needs; excessive feeding should be avoided as it can cause digestive problems.

The cost of feed for deer is low, and by-products from agricultural production can be utilized. It is estimated that male deer begin producing antlers at 3-4 years old, with antler harvesting occurring approximately every 7-8 months. The yield ranges from 1.2-1.5 kg per deer per year. On average, an adult deer consumes about 5-7 kg of grass and crop by-products per day. Generally, deer only need two meals a day: early morning and late evening. During the antler harvesting period, breeders can increase feeding to 3-4 times a day, especially at night.

Many spotted deer have shed their antlers, preparing for the new season.

Along with maintaining traditional deer farming models, many households and businesses have boldly invested in expanding their scale, applying scientific care processes, and processing deer antler products to improve production efficiency and the quality of the local "specialty" products.

Feeding the deer can be increased from 2-3 times/day to 3-4 times/day.

Mr. Nguyen Truong Giang, Chairman of the People's Committee of Son Giang commune, said: “The local government has identified deer farming as the main economic activity of the commune. In the coming time, the locality will continue to focus on expanding models towards sustainable development; organizing training courses and transferring techniques for caring for and preventing diseases to farmers. Son Giang hopes to continue improving the lives of the people and create a prominent mark of the local economic model.”

From fresh antlers, freeze-dried antlers, antler wine, antler extract to health care products… all have contributed to increasing economic value, taking the Ha Tinh deer antler brand further in the market. With meticulous preparation, years of experience, and the application of new scientific knowledge, the people of Ha Tinh are hoping for a bountiful antler harvest season, bringing stable and sustainable income.