The role of androgens (particularly testosterone) in antler growth and the role of stress-induced ACTH secretion in antler mineralization of castrated Dama dama were tested. The results suggest that ACTH or stress may cause the secretion of adrenal androgens. This release induces antler mineralization and velvet shedding. Higher doses of adrenal testosterone (up to 3 ng.ml-1 after ACTH administration) cause cessation of antler growth, low ones support antler growth. The concentrations of androgens needed to elicit type of the response may depend on the cervid species, on the amount of steroid-binding globulin, or the density of androgen receptors.