Elk Antler Chews

Other facts:

-it is not actually marrow inside. It is a cartilage that turns into a bone- antler chew

-the antlers are ethically harvested. It is naturally shed every year and a new antler grows again. It is considered a renewable resource.

-Antlers are bones that develop from and are cemented to two protuberances called pedicles on top of the skull. During growth, the antlers are covered by a furry skin called velvet. A network of blood vessels in the velvet supplies the growing antlers with the specific nutrients needed to develop. Growth and hardening of the antlers is completed in late July or August. In August, increased production of testosterone cuts off the blood supply to the antlers and velvet. The velvet dies, dries up, and peels away.  Increased daylight in the early months of the year leads to the release of testosterone which stimulates the new antlers to begin growing.  In the winter, the reduced daylight leads to the decrease of testosterone release and the shedding of antlers takes place.  The antlers are used to set up hierarchies among the males during the mating season, and to impress the cow elks.    

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Composition of the Antler

• Iron:  Responsible for moving oxygen throughout the body
• Copper: Aids in the production of red blood cells
• Calcium: Provides structural support for bones and teeth as well as blood clotting and muscle contraction
• Manganese: Aids in bone and connective tissue development as well as nervous system function
• Phosphorus: A component of metabolic reactions; provides structural support for bones and teeth
• Magnesium: Stores and releases cell energy; used in metabolic reactions
• Selenium: Antioxidant
• Potassium: Aids in muscle and nerve function
• Zinc: Enzyme involved in respiration and digestion; aids in skin health and healing
• Sulfur: Contained in amino acids and insulin
• IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor): Protein naturally-produced by the liver which increase lean body mass, reduce fat, build bone and muscle and assist in metabolism
• Collagen: Structural component found in bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage
• Lipids: Essential fatty acids which boost energy for cellular activity in the body EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor): Promotes growth on the skin
• Proteins: Essential amino acids used as the structural material in cells; aids in the repair and growth of tissue
• Hyaluronic Acid: Acts as a cushion for the joints and other bodily tissue
• Erythrpoietin: Hormone produced in the kidneys and released into the bloodstream to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood
• Chondroitin Sulfate: Strong anti-inflammatory
• Prostaglandins: Found in nearly all tissue; positive effects on body defense systems
• Glycosphingolipids: Aid in cell growth and metabolism
• Keratin Sulfate: Support immune system function
• Phospholipids: Structural component in cell membrane which passing fat in and out of cells and blood
• Polysaccharides: Help to regulate blood clotting
• Bone Morphogenetic Protein: Speeds bone growth