Jilin Deer Antler

Jilin Deer Antler

　　Deer antler is one of the "Three Treasures of the Northeast," mainly comprising red deer antlers from the Greater Khingan Mountains and sika deer antlers from Changbai Mountain. Deer antler is the unossified horn of a male deer. Deer horns grow once a year, and some deer grow a second set, which sheds in February and regrows in April. When first growing, the antler is soft and tender, covered with a layer of skin on the outside, which has velvet-like hair growing on it and contains cartilage inside full of capillaries. The growth period of deer antler generally spans from April to July, growing at a rate of 2–4 millimeters per day, and can fully form within 80 days. Deer antlers are divided into two types: sika deer antler and red deer antler, with various specifications such as two-prong sawn antler, three-prong sawn antler, two-prong polled antler, and three-prong polled antler. Deer antler holds high medicinal value; it can nourish essence and marrow, enrich blood and boost yang, strengthen tendons and bones, and treat conditions such as physical weakness, deafness, and dim vision. It serves as an ideal and effective tonic for the elderly or those with frail health. In addition, deer horn, deer kidney, deer placenta, deer tail, deer tendon, deer bone, deer blood, deer hide, and deer meat are all valuable medicinal materials. It can be said that every part of the deer is precious — as early as Li Shizhen’s "Compendium of Materia Medica," deer antler was listed as a top-grade herb. Deer hide can be used for tanning, sewing clothes, and making shoes; deer meat is tender, low in fat, and rich in nutrients, making it a premium-quality food.

　　　　Jilin City has many deer farms of varying sizes, among which the Longtan Mountain Deer Farm is one of the larger ones. It is located at the southern foot of Longtan Mountain in the southeastern suburbs of Jilin City. Surrounded by mountains and water with abundant grass, it provides an ideal environment for deer breeding and growth. The farm raises thousands of sika deer and red deer. Sika deer have spots and distinct white patterns shaped like plum blossoms on their bodies, giving them a very beautiful appearance. Red deer are slightly larger than sika deer, with a shoulder height of about 1.5 meters and a weight of around 250 kilograms. They also have a triangular patch on their haunches. Deer are agile, good jumpers, timid, and easily startled animals. They are gentle by nature and prefer to live in groups.