Abstract Asian markets for velvet antler perceive the colour of the core as a primary indicator of quality. The factors which influence colour are not known, but the market preference in Korea is for an even mid‐red colour. The aim of the present study was to determine whether removal technique and post‐removal handling influence velvet colour. Investigations took place at AgResearch Invermay and at Mount Hurt Station in mid Canterbury, New Zealand. The influences on velvet antler colour of sedative drug, mild stress, local anaesthetic administration, timing of tourniquet application, and restraint of the stags in a crush or workroom for velvet antler removal were investigated. The effects of antler orientation post‐removal and post‐removal environmental temperature on velvet antler colour were also investigated. In all studies, velvet antler was frozen and held at ‐20°C before being dried either by freeze drying or commercially. In all trials, a consistent pattern of both lightness and hue angle was show...
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