Scientist looking through a microscope

To answer questions about the efficacy and safety of deer velvet, a great deal of relevant research has been carried out in the last 30 or 40 years, mainly in Asia. In recent years research has also been carried out in some Western countries including New Zealand.

In general, the research tends to support that deer velvet’s effects on the human body are restorative, strengthening and protective. The findings of research on velvet's purported supportive effects on growth and its support for haematinic and anti-ageing are of particular interest.

Research in New Zealand

In New Zealand, most research relating to velvet antler composition and efficacy has been carried out by AgResearch and in particular by a team led by Dr S.R. Haines.

AgResearch is a state-owned company dedicated to life sciences and agricultural research, and it was established in 1992 by combining research capabilities from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Department of Science and Industrial Research. The company has five major campuses throughout New Zealand.

Velvet Antler Research New Zealand (VARNZ)

VARNZ is a joint venture between Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) and AgResearch Ltd. It was established in 1994 with the twin objectives of:

  • Undertaking research on deer velvet and co-products and
  • Controlling and managing the outputs of such work for the benefit of the New Zealand deer industry

AgResearch and its fore-runners have been carrying out research on antlers since 1976, and DINZ has contracted research to AgResearch since 1990-91. VARNZ has conducted research on deer velvet since 1994.

Research areas

Research by both New Zealand and other countries has been undertaken in the following areas:

  • Safety
  • Composition
  • Dosage rates 
  • Supporting immune function
  • Athletic performance 
  • Support for normal cholesterol balance
  • Aiding recovery after tissue injury
  • Support for blood pressure and cardiovascular health
  • Processing
  • Active substances
  • Support for growth
  • Healthy joint function
  • Support for mental function
  • Blood health ageing
File Attachment: 
 Deer Velvet Technical Manual Version 6.3 (pdf, 1.49 MB)