This high-palatability feed is a 20%-protein, power-packed pelleted ration that includes AntlerMax® Mineral Technology with optimum levels of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and vitamin D that optimizes antler growth, destiny, and strength in bucks, reproductive performance, and milk production in does, healthy ...

According to Purina, Antler Max is scientifically proven to aid antler growth, density and strength - as well as improve reproductive performance and fawn health.

Feed to deer, elk and exotic deer as a supplement to native habitat or pasture. For best results feed free-choice in a covered trough or self-feeder. If forage becomes limiting, supply good quality legume hay.

Purina AntlerMax Deer 20 Purina's most popular 20% protein pelleted ration is designed to support the deer's natural forage diet. Specifically formulated for what free range deer require to support overall health, reproductive performance and antler growth.

Developing antlers have blood vessels underneath a velvety skin, which can help to regulate an animal's body temperature. Large antlers might also attract mates and intimidate rivals because healthier elk will have larger sets. Bull (male) elk use their antlers to fight each other for mates and territory.

Whereas antlers are composed of bone, horns are composed of keratin (same material as hair and fingernails) on the outer portion and live bone on the inner core. Antlers are shed annually; horns grow throughout the life of the animal.

Just a few weeks after a white-tailed deer or elk sheds its antlers, a new set begins to grow. Growth is triggered by increasing daylight and subsequent testosterone production. Adult white-tailed deer antlers can grow ¼ inch per day, whereas elk antlers grow about an inch per day.

A deer must obtain at least 6 to 7 percent crude protein diet just to maintain rumen function. A diet of less that 10 percent protein will result in inferior animals and poor antler development. Deer need a daily diet of 12 to 16 percent protein for optimum development of bone and muscle.

Select a high quality deer feeder Free-choice self-feeders protect pellets and provide them to deer whenever they want to eat. Because deer eat several times a day, professionally made free-choice feeders (or even trough feeders) can be the best way to feed deer for maximum intake and antler growth.

Most ingredients can be bought in the cattle feed store. Use a crusher to break down the dry ingredients like corn, oats, soybeans, cotton seeds or pinto beans. Then, in a mixer, add some molasses to mix it all together. Alternatively, use a feed pellet mill for press the mixture into granules .

Just a few weeks after a white-tailed deer or elk sheds its antlers, a new set begins to grow. Growth is triggered by increasing daylight and subsequent testosterone production. Adult white-tailed deer antlers can grow ¼ inch per day, whereas elk antlers grow about an inch per day.

Bottom line: Rogol says it's “extremely unlikely” that deer antler in any form could offer athletes a boost. “Deer antlers do contain growth factors,” he explains.

Antlers are made of bone, and covered with "velvet" - a thin, soft layer of skin and blood vessels that gets scraped off the antler over time. Later in the year, those antlers are shed, making room for a new set to grow in.