Deer and elk make good farm animals; as they can graze on less land than cattle; they can survive outdoors all year without shelter and are generally very hardy.  Elk and deer production is driven by the demand generated by Asian countries for antler velvet.  Elk and deer bulls produce antlers every year.  These antlers are removed before they become hard and the velvet is put into capsules.  Asian countries have been using velvet and its products to treat many ailments for thousands of years.  In addition to velvet, another important product from elk and deer is meat, called venison.  In Ontario, in 1996, there were 14,300 deer and 1,360 elk raised on farms.

ELK:

Mature bulls (male elk) average between 360 kg – 500 kg.  They stand 1.5 – 1.7 metres at the shoulder.  The primary purpose for raising elk is for the velvet that grows from their antlers.   Antlers naturally fall off in March and re-grow every year.  The velvet is harvested in May or June, and a mature bull should yield 9 kg – 13.6 kg of Grade A velvet.  Mature cows (female elk) average 250kg to 270kg and stand 1.2 – 1.5 metres at the shoulder.  They do not grow antlers.  Calves (young elk) are born in May or June and spend the first week of their lives hiding in tall grass, usually getting up only to nurse.  They are spotted when born and develop brown coats in about 6 months.  Cows gestation (pregnancy) is approximately 246 days (8 months), plus or minus 10 days.

Nutrition: Elk are predominantly grazers.  They drink water, eat grasses, legumes (alfalfa hay) and grains (corn and oats) and are also provided with vitamins and minerals in their feed.

Housing: Elk are raised on farms, outside on pasture all year round.

DEER:

There are several breeds of deer that are farmed in Ontario such as the Fallow deer, White-tailed deer and reindeer.  Fallow deer are the most common deer to be farmed in Ontario.  The coat of Fallow deer varies, however there are four main colours such as white, light brown with white spots, ginger and black.  Bucks (male deer) weigh 110 – 150 kg and have antlers that are flat ended and palmated with numerous points.  Does (female deer) do not grow antlers and they weigh 40 – 75 kg.  Young deer called fawns weigh 4 – 6.5 kg when they are born.  Does gestation length is about 233 days (7 ½ months) and fawns are born in May and June. 

Nutrition: When it comes to feed, nutrition and housing, deer are quite similar to elk.  They drink water and eat grasses, legumes (alfalfa hay), grain (corn and oats) and are also provided with vitamins, minerals and salt in their feed. 

Housing: Deer are typically raised outdoors on native or seeded pastures.  Deer farmers also provide the animals with natural shelters or barns for protection against poor weather conditions. 

For More Information Contact:

Ontario Deer and Elk Farmers Association
Online: www.ontariodeerelkfarmers.com

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 
1 Stone Rd., Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
Phone: (519) 826-3100 OR  1-888-466-2372
Online: www.omafra.gov.on.ca