Sika deer farming is a sustainable economic model, helping farmers take advantage of available natural resources such as grass and leaves to bring high-value income.
Sika deer – an easy-to-raise, disease-free animal that only needs to eat grass and leaves to grow healthily – is the key for people to turn these natural resources into a stable source of income.
1. RAISING SIKA DEER: LOW COST, UTILIZING AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Sika deer are not picky eaters and can live well on available grasses and leafy vegetables such as elephant grass, jackfruit leaves, water spinach, etc. With just these simple things, breeders can provide enough nutrition for deer, reduce feed costs without having to resort to expensive industrial feeds. Taking care of deer is also simple, just ensure the food and living environment are clean. This is an economical and effective livestock farming option, suitable for farmers who want to start a sustainable business.
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2. LESS DISEASE, EASY TO CARE
Sika deer are highly resistant to disease. This makes them adaptable and not affected much by their environment. For breeders, this means that the deer rarely get sick, do not require extensive medical care, and do not require the use of antibiotics.
In addition, they are herbivores, which have little negative impact on the environment. This makes their farming more sustainable and eco-friendly, making them ideal for those who want to grow their business while preserving the environment.
3. STABLE SOURCE OF INCOME FROM DEER ANTLERS
When male deer reach 2 years old, they begin to produce antlers – a valuable type of young horn that can be sold for 20-25 million VND/kg. In addition, each male deer usually produces only one batch of antlers per year. However, if the deer is healthy, combined with increasingly improved breeding techniques, each year, deer can produce antlers twice. Deer antler harvest time usually lasts from December of the previous year to February and March (Lunar calendar) of the following year.
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Each mature deer can produce 4-8 ounces of velvet antlers per year, helping farmers earn a stable income without spending too much effort. If a herd of 30 deer can be developed, the annual income from velvet antlers will become a “golden profit” that farmers can be completely confident in. In particular, fresh velvet antlers harvested right on the farm are always popular thanks to their high quality and medicinal effectiveness.
4. DEER ANTLER VELVET – A VALUABLE RENEWABLE RESOURCE
Every year, old deer antlers fall off and new velvet grows. This regeneration ability not only helps farmers harvest velvet every year but also creates a valuable source of medicinal materials. In traditional medicine, deer antlers are considered a panacea that helps replenish vitality, fight aging and support the treatment of many diseases. Thanks to this medicinal value, deer antlers always have a high position in the market and are easily consumed.
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5. TURN YOUR FARM INTO A TOURIST DESTINATION
In addition to the income from velvet and meat, people can also develop the tourism economy with the model of raising sika deer. Deer farms can become attractive destinations, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature, feed deer, visit and learn about the deer raising process. In particular, families with young children will be very excited to experience close contact with animals. These tours not only bring income but also help people build a friendly farm brand, creating an impression on tourists and the local community.
With a cost-saving model, easy care, few diseases and stable income, deer farming is truly an ideal direction for people who want to get rich from their homeland.