Maral deer farming is a unique branch of animal husbandry that originated in the Altai Mountains over 150 years ago. Today, the Altai Krai and Altai Republic are the world center of maral farming, home to over 80% of Russia’s maral deer population (approximately 70,000 animals). Deer farms are located in mountain valleys at altitudes of 800–2,000 meters above sea level, in ecologically pristine zones.
History of Maral Farming
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1870s | First deer farms in the Altai Mountains (merchant M.I. Palkin) |
| 1930s | S.M. Pavlenko — first scientific research on antlers, creation of Pantocrin |
| 1960s | I.I. Brekhman — introduction of the “adaptogen” concept, antler research |
| 1970–80s | Industrial development of maral farming in the USSR |
| 1990s | Industry crisis, privatization, herd reduction |
| 2000–2020s | Recovery, processing development, export, agritourism |
How a Deer Farm Works
A deer farm (maralnik) is a fenced territory ranging from 100 to several thousand hectares in the Altai mountains. Maral deer live in conditions as close to wild nature as possible:
- Free-range grazing — from April to December, deer graze on alpine meadows
- Natural feed — over 150 species of mountain herbs, including medicinal plants
- Mountain water — clean meltwater and spring water
- Winter housing — in winter pens with hay and grain supplementation
- Veterinary control — regular check-ups, vaccination, antiparasitic treatment
Antler Harvesting
Antlers are harvested in May–June, when they reach the optimal growth stage (60–70 days from start). At this point, antlers are still covered with velvety skin (velvet) and permeated with blood vessels — the concentration of bioactive substances is at its peak.
Anesthesia: local, injectable
Duration: 3–5 minutes
Specialist: licensed veterinarian
Frequency: once a year (annually from age 2)
Recovery: antlers fully regrow by the next season
Documentation: veterinary certificate for each batch
Environmental Sustainability
- Minimal ecosystem impact (deer graze like wild ungulates)
- No industrial emissions (unlike pig or poultry farming)
- Antlers are a renewable resource (regrow every year)
- Deer farms support biodiversity of mountain ecosystems
The Altai maral (Cervus elaphus sibiricus) is the largest subspecies of red deer. An elite stag can weigh 300–400 kg. Elite-class antlers weigh 8–12 kg and contain the highest concentration of bioactive substances.
Products from Altai antlers — from the deer farm to your home.
This information is for educational purposes only.