By Brandon Wikman
Whitetail antlers have captivated the every thought, dazzled the imagination, and created a virtual fantasy for those drawn to the incredible bone. It’s a hobby for some, livelihood for others, and an endless burning passion for all. From the very early times of mankind, antlers have been etched into cave walls and worn as a symbolic significance by ancient ancestors. The shape, size, and growth of bone have continued to charm our hearts and ignite our souls to this very day.
The antler growth process is nothing short of astounding, especially considering it is the fasted growing tissue in the animal kingdom. Unlike ‘horn’ antler naturally cast each year around early spring and begin reproducing until late summer. Antler is composed of bone, which is mostly comprised of calcium. During the growing season, the antler is fed by blood carried in the outer velvet coverings. Velvet feels like warm and waxy soft hairs.
In contrast, ‘horn’ is made of keratin, which is the same material our fingernails are made of. They do not shed and only need protein to grow. Horns grow continuously, while antlers will only grow for roughly 128 days.
Testosterone levels primarily regulate antler growth, which is accelerated by photoperiod (length of daylight). As we know, length of photoperiod is expressed by the seasons that occur from the tilting and rotation of our planet Earth. The antler growing process lasts only a specific period of time due to the natural worldly factors we experience daily.
Everyday natural dietary consumption is not enough nutrition and minerals to support the rapid growth of new antlers. They require an immense amount of quick, easy, and digestible nutrients. That is why it is so critical to boost your whitetail herd’s overall health and size by equipping them with rich supplemental feeding exercises.
To really excel the deer health in your area, I highly recommend the building power of Moultrie’s Game Nutrition System. A complete collection of nutritional products, these deer food supplements and deer attractant minerals are designed to lure deer to your property and give them the beneficial ingredients they need grow strong bodies and big racks. You will find a buffett of products at their website.
Whitetails continue to astonish even the most seasoned hunters and deer breeders. The countdown to hunting season has already begun as our great community of land managers wait. Antlers will always amaze posses and me my inner-roots into expanding around the wonderful world of whitetail.
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