Velvet is the name given to deer antlers in their early stage of growth, before they harden into bone. Velvet antlers are soft tissue, covered with fine hair – hence the name. They grow very quickly – up to 2 centimetres per day. This stag shows about 60 days' growth. On each antler the tyne closest to the head is called brow, the second is bez (pronounced 'bay'), and the third is trez (pronounced 'tray').
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Deer Industry New Zealand
Photograph by Vanessa Crowley
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