Improved antler production can greatly increase the profitability of a deer farming enterprise

Interest in deer farming is at historically high levels and this has created an explosion in research and products designed to improve herd health and animal performance.  Antler production is one of the main products produced by deer farming. Are you convinced that you have the tools available to ensure you are maximizing your antler production?   

The main factors affecting antler development are Age, Genetics and Nutrition.  Several other factors are responsible for the size of a buck's antlers including: over population, buck to doe ratios, rainfall and winter severity.

Nutrition is very important in determining antler size. Even a deer with good genetics and age will not grow large antlers on poor quality nutrients. On the other hand young bucks are capable of growing relatively impressive antlers when fed a high quality ration from early in life.

Nutrition can be affected in many ways that producers cannot always control - the quantity and quality of the natural mast crop, fruit crop and all forages is highly dependent on the weather. Mineral supplements are a great way to provide increased nutrition to deer herd and can be considered a vital part of a deer management plan. These supplements provide an increased amount of nutrition for deer that help increase overall health, body size, and promote maximum antler development; fulfilling genetic potentials.

The results of a comparative trial conducted in South Texas showed a dramatic increase in antler diameter and length in the deer fed Tasco^®.

Fine Tuning for Large Antlers

Proper nutrition has many benefits beyond just antler development. A healthy deer herd means productive does and healthy offspring. Better reproductive success and greater stress and disease resistance are also results of adequate nutrition.

Tasco^® has shown positive effects on reproduction in other ruminants improving pregnancy rates and decreasing calving intervals. link

Research on feedlot cattle concluded that Tasco^® increased immune responses helping animals cope with different stress – heat, disease and other environmental factors. link

Does also require higher amounts of minerals for milk production.  Research has shown that feeding dairy cows Tasco^® increased pounds of milk, milk solids, lactose and protein. link

Tasco^® is a versatile product that can be included in several types of available supplements including blocks, bagged minerals, buckets of minerals and more.

Ensure your deer management plan includes Tasco^® to maximize your antler production and profitability.