Deep processing is necessary for the deer velvet products

Underutilized values

The deer farming industry in Huong Son district, Ha Tinh province emerged and prospered during the 1960s and 1970s of the 20th century. Over time, the sika deer, which was originally a wild animal species, have been domesticated and officially recognized as a breed for farming.

As of the date of writing, the total deer population in Huong Son district has reached over 44,600 individuals, with an annual deer velvet yield of 17 tons. With abundant food sources and the valuable contribution of deer velvet, the deer farming industry in Ha Tinh province is experiencing exceptional growth. Similarly, several other regions including Huong Khe, Vu Quang, Duc Tho district, and Ha Tinh city have also engaged in the development of this livestock. This initiative aims to restructure the local livestock production industry towards enhancing economic value and minimizing environmental pollution, with a focus on smallholder farming.

Despite their high production volumes, local farmers have traditionally focused on selling raw deer velvet as an ingredient for wine, porridge, or to be soaked in honey. Consequently, the potential for the deep processing of deer velvet products has remained largely underutilized.

According to Associate Professor Nguyen Duy Thuan, former Deputy Director of the Vietnam University of Traditional Medicine and Director of the Tuyet Tinh Medicine Research Institute, deer velvet contains numerous valuable nutrients including protein, lipids, amino acids; trace elements including Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Chromium, Bromine, Cobalt, and minerals including Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium, Phosphorus. The protein group stimulates and regulates development in bones, cartilage, and nerve cells. Consequently, deer velvet offers exceptional health benefits, including: prevention and treatment of cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, endocrine and nervous system-related diseases; enhancement of libido and sexual function; remediation of mental fatigue; and prevention of osteoporosis and bone degeneration.

"Although deer velvet offers numerous benefits, its potential has not been fully utilized," remarked Associate Professor Thuan. "We are currently selling raw deer velvet, while the acquisition of whole antlers comes at a significant cost, limiting access to only those with considerable economic resources. As a result, product diversification through deep processing will provide access to a broader consumer base, thereby enhancing the value-added aspect of deer velvet."

Mr. Nguyen Kieu Hung, Vice Chairman of the Huong Son district People's Committee, also acknowledged the substantial economic value that deer velvet bring to local residents, and emphasized its underutilized potentials.

"Presently, between 70 and 75 percent of harvested deer velvet is sold as raw materials, and the wholesale market is still underdeveloped. Because the majority of local farmers must find a customer base on their own, price fluctuations are common," shared Mr. Hung. He further noted that the district's government has actively established connections with experts and businesses to support local farmers in transitioning to the deep processing of deer velvet products. Additionally, the district has implemented various policies to encourage the establishment of businesses, cooperatives specializing in the purchasing and processing deer velvet products.

"The district currently supports three establishments specializing in the purchasing and deep processing of deer velvet products. They are the Huong Son Deer Velvet Investment and Development Cooperative, the Huong Luat Deer Velvet Cooperative, and the Ngoc Linh Deer Velvet Cooperative. These businesses are addressing output difficulties and enhancing the economic value of deer velvet products with their remarkably efficient operations," emphasized Mr. Nguyen Kieu Hung.

Approximately 30% of raw deer velvet products have undergone deep processing

Huong Son deer velvet product was granted a geographical indication registration certificate by the Intellectual Property Office in 2019. Subsequently, deer velvet products bearing the Huong Son geographical indication are granted exclusive protection throughout the territory of Vietnam.

Vietnam must now focus on expanding the reach of deer velvet products to a wider consumer base by integrating science and technology into the deep processing of deer velvet products. Notably, examples of deep-processed deer velvet products include deer velvet glue, deer velvet powder, ground deer velvet base, sliced raw deer velvet, and deer velvet tea.

According to Mr. Bui Quang Hoan, General Director of the Ha Tinh province's Department of Science and Technology, the Department will collaborate with the government of Huong Son district to conduct comprehensive research and analysis of the nutritional components and effects of deer velvet. This research will focus on the application of deer velvet in stem cell extraction, cosmetics production, healthcare, and cancer treatment. Moreover, the Department will transfer and integrate advanced science and technology into deer farming, care, harvesting, and preservation. This initiative includes prioritizing conservation and enhancing the quality of deer breeds; establishing technical processes for the farming and protection of Huong Son deer; developing deer velvet harvesting, preliminary processing, and preservation techniques to ensure food safety and quality standards.

Regarding deer velvet processing, the Department will promote investment projects for the diversification of deer velvet products through deep processing, thereby enhancing their value. The Department will also support the transfer of research results and technologies for velvet extraction, formulation, drying, among others.

Deer velvet deep processing facilities are currently utilizing the freeze-drying technology, which was developed by the Institute of Energy Technology and Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Mr. Le Kieu Hiep, a researcher at the Institute of Energy Technology, believes that the integration of freeze-drying technology into deep processing is also applicable to velvet blood products. The pressure in the freeze-drying process is significantly reduced, allowing water to transition directly from the solid state to the vapor state. This process preserves the flavor, color, micronutrient composition, and shape of the product compared to its original unfrozen state.

"The drawback of this method is the extended drying time and high operation cost, making it suitable only for high-value products. However, in order to fully utilize the potential and value of deer velvet in the long run, the local government of Ha Tinh province must continue investing in researching, transferring, and applying new processing technologies. Although the initial returns may be low, we believe that the added value will correspond to the investment cost in technology once the product quality is ensured," said Mr. Hiep.

In agreement with experts and scientists, Mr. Ho Phuc Dong, Director of An Phong Manufacturing and Trading Services Company - a business specializing in the deep processing of deer velvet products - affirmed that significant investment in equipment, machinery, and diversified processing technologies is required to bring Huong Son deer velvet to the international market.

"However, navigating this market independently may present significant challenges due to the substantial investment cost. As a result, we advocate for Ha Tinh province and its local governments to enact supportive policies aimed at providing assistance to businesses. This would facilitate our goal of elevating the value of deer velvet and its associated products into a prosperous industry, benefiting both the residents of Huong Son district and the broader Ha Tinh province," Mr. Dong expanded on his recommendation.

"At present, approximately 30% of raw deer velvet products have undergone deep processing, contributing to an increase of 30% in terms economic value compared to the trading of raw velvet. This represents a positive step towards diversifying products, enhancing consumer accessibility and usability," said Mr. Bui Quang Hoan, General Director of the Ha Tinh province's Department of Science and Technology.