college of agricultural sciences n cooperative extension alternatives elk production this publication was developed by the small scale and part time farming project at penn state with support from us department agriculture service there are almost 40 000 in north america advantages raising breed include following have a high fertility rate long reproductive life they calve easily wean their calves early calm disposition makes them easy to handle transport tolerate cold winters hot summers low susceptibility disease yield quality velvet antler meat products american members deer family but unlike other raised primarily for antlers mature typically produce 16 or more pounds annually while red another important source only about 4 most sells 60 per pound has been used as an ingredient asian medicines thousands years today it is sold firms that these various ethnic markets market grown
