OUR STORY

The New Zealand deer industry is relatively new, around 40 years +. It is a story of energy and innovation by deer farmers who developed an industry from scratch. Over that short period huge progress has been made in all aspects of velvet antler production and handling. This includes a commitment to respect the environment and high standards of animal welfare. 

Provelco’s origins are from 2003 when Velexco Co-operative Ltd was formed through the determination of people like James Guild and Tom Williams to create a farmer owned marketing company with stronger links to the key markets of China, Korea and Taiwan. In 2010 we changed to Provelco Co-operative Ltd and in 2023 we shortened the name to Provelco Ltd with the limited company structure more suited to the environment we operate in.

OUR STORY

The New Zealand deer industry is relatively new, around 40 years +. It is a story of energy and innovation by deer farmers who developed an industry from scratch. Over that short period huge progress has been made in all aspects of velvet antler production and handling. This includes a commitment to respect the environment and high standards of animal welfare.

Provelco’s origins are from 2003 when Velexco Co-operative Ltd was formed through the determination of people like James Guild and Tom Williams to create a farmer owned marketing company with stronger links to the key markets of China, Korea and Taiwan. In 2010 we changed to Provelco Co-operative Ltd and in 2023 we shortened the name to Provelco Ltd with the limited company structure more suited to the environment we operate in.

WHAT IS DEER VELVET?

Deer velvet antler is a high quality, natural ingredient used for both traditional oriental medicine and modern health treatments with properties that have been recognised for centuries. Deer velvet antler regenerates completely each spring and is harvested in New Zealand between October and January. During the growth phase antlers are covered in soft furry hair, hence the term ‘velvet’.

Each year the entire structure including blood vessels, skin, hair and glands appear then grow very rapidly (up to 2 cm per day) and if not harvested as velvet antler, eventually calcify and turn into hard antler. The cycle of antler growth, dropping off and regrowing the following year is a unique phenomenon amongst higher vertebrate animals. Although all mammals possess the ability to heal wounds, no other mammal has the capability to completely regenerate body tissues.

Having been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, deer velvet has a proven history in being used successfully as a tonic prior, it has the ability to strengthen the body’s natural immune system.

 WHAT IS DEER VELVET?

Deer velvet antler is a high quality, natural ingredient used for both traditional oriental medicine and modern health treatments with properties that have been recognised for centuries. Deer velvet antler regenerates completely each spring and is harvested in New Zealand between October and January. During the growth phase antlers are covered in soft furry hair, hence the term ‘velvet’.

Each year the entire structure including blood vessels, skin, hair and glands appear then grow very rapidly (up to 2 cm per day) and if not harvested as velvet antler, eventually calcify and turn into hard antler. The cycle of antler growth, dropping off and regrowing the following year is a unique phenomenon amongst higher vertebrate animals. Although all mammals possess the ability to heal wounds, no other mammal has the capability to completely regenerate body tissues.

Having been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, deer velvet has a proven history in being used successfully as a tonic prior, it has the ability to strengthen the body’s natural immune system.

 WHAT IS DEER VELVET?

Deer velvet antler is a high quality, natural ingredient used for both traditional oriental medicine and modern health treatments with properties that have been recognised for centuries. Deer velvet antler regenerates completely each spring and is harvested in New Zealand between October and January. During the growth phase antlers are covered in soft furry hair, hence the term ‘velvet’.

Each year the entire structure including blood vessels, skin, hair and glands appear then grow very rapidly (up to 2 cm per day) and if not harvested as velvet antler, eventually calcify and turn into hard antler. The cycle of antler growth, dropping off and regrowing the following year is a unique phenomenon amongst higher vertebrate animals. Although all mammals possess the ability to heal wounds, no other mammal has the capability to completely regenerate body tissues.

Having been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, deer velvet has a proven history in being used successfully as a tonic prior, it has the ability to strengthen the body’s natural immune system.

A RENEWABLE RESOURCE

Deer velvet antler is an authentic, high quality, natural ingredient used for traditional oriental medicine and modern health treatments with properties that have been recognised for centuries. Deer velvet antler regenerates completely each spring and can be harvested annually. Because of this natural growth process, deer velvet is a renewable resource.

A RENEWABLE RESOURCE

Deer velvet antler is an authentic, high quality, natural ingredient used for traditional oriental medicine and modern health treatments with properties that have been recognised for centuries. Deer velvet antler regenerates completely each spring and can be harvested annually. Because of this natural growth process, deer velvet is a renewable resource.

A RENEWABLE RESOURCE

Deer velvet antler is an authentic, high quality, natural ingredient used for traditional oriental medicine and modern health treatments with properties that have been recognised for centuries. Deer velvet antler regenerates completely each spring and can be harvested annually. Because of this natural growth process, deer velvet is a renewable resource.