Velvet Antler Research New Zealand

The New Zealand velvet industry is a significant - and growing - export earner. To answer questions about the composition, efficacy and safety of deer velvet, significant research has been carried out in the last 30 or 40 years.

Research in New Zealand

AgResearch has carried out most research in New Zealand relating to velvet antler composition and efficacy.

Velvet Antler Research New Zealand (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

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

Find out more

Velvet Antler Research NZ

Get in touch with our team

Contact us

Send an email to one of our team or check out our facilities located across Aotearoa New Zealand.

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