Breeding sika deer for breeding and collecting antlers

The model of raising spotted deer is a new direction in animal husbandry in Thien Nghiep commune; helping to balance the natural ecological environment. Farmers exploit antlers, reproduction lasts for many years, bringing higher income to farmers.

Raising spotted deer at Mr. Nguyen Dien Hai's household (Thien Nghiep, Phan Thiet)

The model of breeding sika deer for reproduction and antlers with a product consumption link was implemented at Mr. Nguyen Dien Hai's family (Thien Nghiep commune, Phan Thiet) with 1 male deer and 3 female sika deer. According to the policy, the State supports 50% of the breed and 40% of the materials for raising sika deer. Households contribute the remaining counterpart capital according to the rate of 50% of the breed, 60% of the materials, and 100% of the capital for the barn. After 17 months of implementing the model, the result was 5 deer. Of which, there were 4 parent deer and 1 7-month-old deer (to date) weighing about 20kg. The deer ate, grew and developed well. At the end of February 2023, Mr. Hai's family harvested a pair of antlers from a male weighing 550g.

Mr. Nguyen Dien Hai said: This is a new breeding model in Thien Nghiep commune. The care method was confusing at first, but the Phan Thiet City Agricultural Technical and Service Center enthusiastically supported. Deer are easy to eat animals, like to eat green leaves and are raised for reproduction, so they should be let loose in the garden. Limited techniques and experience more or less affect the breeding process and experience in midwifery for deer. For example, newborn deer have not adapted to the climate conditions, so the deer have poor appetite and grow slowly. During the pregnancy period, the mother deer is supplemented with fresh food and lots of protein and vitamins, so the deer grows in the belly, making it difficult to give birth.

According to the Phan Thiet City Agricultural Technical and Service Center, during the growth and pregnancy of deer, feed them with grass and fresh leaves; especially fig leaves and green papaya leaves so that the deer will produce milk when giving birth. Supplement minerals, protein, vitamins, and pellets so that the mother and baby deer can grow healthily. The cage must be clean, dry, and private, and the cage and surrounding area must be disinfected regularly. Prepare straw or soft materials to make nests for the deer to reproduce. Regularly monitor the mother deer to give birth naturally. The exploitation period of this animal species is about 20-30 years. Therefore, the number of deer for antlers and reproduction will be greater, bringing higher income to the breeders.

Ms. Pham Thi Bich Thom - Director of the Center for Agricultural Technology and Services of Phan Thiet City assessed: The model of raising spotted deer is a new direction in livestock farming in Thien Nghiep commune, suitable for the natural conditions of the locality. Thereby, it not only increases income but also contributes to preserving wild animals, helping to balance the natural ecological environment; developing in a green and clean ecological agricultural style brings economic efficiency to the family. The center guides farmers to diversify short-term crop and livestock varieties, and practice clean agriculture.

Mr. Hai wants to replicate this deer farming model for other households in the commune. In addition, he wants to establish a deer farming cooperative so that households can link up and support each other in caring for, harvesting and selling antlers and baby deer. If well cared for, this animal will be more effective than raising cows in the past.

To replicate this model, the Phan Thiet City Agricultural Technical and Service Center requires farmers to regularly monitor the health of the deer herd. Depending on each stage of the herd's development, farmers supplement fresh green food and minerals appropriately, applying the correct technical process to ensure good health for the herd. At the same time, it is recommended that functional agencies and the local political system propagate and guide people to practice clean agriculture. The Center always accompanies and guides people in caring techniques.

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