Ha Tinh, April 20 (VNA)- The Ha Tinh Minerals and Trading Corporation (Mitraco) began construction work on its new Vietnam Deer Breeding Centre in the central province of Ha Tinh on April 19.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Dinh Son claimed that the centre will play an important role in the province’s economic and social security development.

When finished, the site will cover an area of nearly 50 hectares in the Son Quang and Son Linh communes of Huong Son district. The first phase will see 16 hectares completed by 2016.

This initial phase has a total investment capital of 40 billion VND (1.9 million USD) and will see the centre purchase 1,000 breeding deers. The deer stocks will be increased to at least 5,000 in the second phase (2016-2017).

Once completed, the centre is expected to breed the animals for preservation and research purpose and to meet demand for deer, which is raised in farms, mainly in Ha Tinh provinces, for velvet antlers and meat.

Deer velvet antlers have long been used in Asian traditional medicine as a health booster.

VNA/VNP