Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The reindeer are kept in extensive pasture systems where the conditions are similar to those
for wild reindeer. Since the reindeer have special demands on their pasture, it is difficult to
keep them in intensive production systems where they cannot graze selectively. Too many
reindeer on a small area will also facilitate spread of diseases. A selection program for
reindeer needs special qualifications according to several different reasons. The purpose with
this literature review is to summarize the factors needed for a reindeer selection program and
the problems and possibilities included.
Reindeer grazing right has a special meaning to the Sami and are reserved for them according
to immemorial rights. Reindeer husbandry cannot be directly compared to the intensive
systems of other meat producing animals and there are some additional factors to keep in
mind when making a selection program for reindeer. The most important factors are the use of
pasture (number of reindeer per area), herd structure (regulated by slaughter) and the genetic
progress of each individual, which can be increased by selection. The genetic progress can not
be maximized in a reindeer population in practice; predators, food resources and changes in
climate and environment from one year to another will slow down the progress.
It is important to let the reindeer husbandry remain a Sami right to keep their culture and
language. At the same time modern tools to improve production and genetic progress in the
herds should be used to keep the possibility to make a living on reindeer husbandry.