Reindeer herding in Russia: features, areas of placement

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Where in our country are deer raised? What areas are suitable for breeding? Reindeer husbandry in Russia has always developed in a harsh climate - this has happened historically. Now this activity is a combination of scientifically based methods of agriculture and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. In our article, we will talk about the features of deer breeding, as well as the regions that are best suited for raising these proud animals.

Which nations raise deer?

Historically, reindeer breeding areas in Russia have always been classified as regions with a cold climate. Nowadays, many peoples of the Far East and Siberia are engaged in this type of animal husbandry:

• Khanty;
• debts;
• Chukchi;
• Nenets;
• Mansi.

And this is not a complete ethnic list. In addition to our country, reindeer are also bred in the United States of America, Canada, as well as Sweden, Finland, Norway. Here, the Saami are engaged in reindeer herding, and not so long ago, the Kvens could boast of being involved in this type of agriculture.

Deer breeds for breeding

Now you know which peoples of Russia are engaged in reindeer herding. However, we draw not all breeds of deer are equally well suited for home breeding. This is especially true of the northern regions, which are distinguished by a harsh climate. An ideal option for such conditions would be a reindeer. This breed is divided into four groups:

• Evenki;
• Chukchi;
• Even;
• Nenskaya.

It is also worth noting that about 70% of the world's deer population is concentrated on the territory of the Russian Federation. Of course, only a small part is kept at home, but the northern peoples have closely intertwined their lives with these proud animals. For example, almost any native of the north will say that his people will be engaged in deer breeding as long as these extraordinary creatures exist in the world.

Why do people do reindeer herding?

This question at least once arose for every farmer who was looking for ways to develop his business. It should be noted right away that the peoples of Russia, engaged in reindeer herding, do this not just for the sake of observing traditions. Just in a harsh climate, alternative options are practicallyno.

The list below lists the main benefits of these animals:

1. Excellent pulling power. And indeed it is. A thoroughbred deer is in no way inferior even to a thoroughbred draft horse. However, unlike these graceful animals, deer are able to endure the most severe frosts and work in unbearable conditions for humans.
2. Great option for warm hides. The fur of an adult deer is very dense, and the skin is quite thick. This material is ideal for sewing clothes and making various household items that allow you to warm your home.
3. Source of meat and milk. Many breeders will say that venison is very sour in taste, and animal milk is almost impossible to drink. However, both of these products are highly valued in the market, and in the harsh north, they are simply indispensable for the average person.

In addition, do not forget that deer can provide a person with a very valuable material - antlers, from which a variety of decorative items can be made. Also, many healers use powdered deer antlers to treat serious illnesses.

Reindeer herding areas in Russia

Back in 1990, the number of deer in Russia numbered about 2,300 thousand units, but today this number has almost halved. Most of these animals are grown in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Yakutia. The first region has about 660 thousand heads, and the second - 200 thousand. These indicators canseem very large, but back in 2011, reindeer husbandry was developed in eighteen regions of our country, and today the percentage of wild reindeer has begun to increase from 10% to 67%. This means that this type of animal husbandry is gradually dying, despite the assurances of local residents to the contrary.

Features of reindeer breeding

Now you know about the main areas of reindeer herding in Russia. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the features of this business, especially if you plan to start breeding deer yourself.

Firstly, this industry is characterized by high mobility. This is due to the state of pastures and the general availability of fodder. We have to constantly drive the herd from place to place so that the animals can graze in peace. Accordingly, such farming can only be done in the conditions of the tundra or forest-tundra.

Secondly, the reindeer breeds perfectly endure the harsh climate and adapt well to the winter cold, so they do not have to organize additional heated pens. Rest assured that if you breed reindeer in places where there is enough food, the animals will not freeze from the cold in winter.

And thirdly, walking animals is associated with a rather high risk of loss of livestock due to predators who strive to attack the herds. That is why several armed people with specially trained wolfhound dogs are engaged in the protection of deer at once. At the same time, the deer are not afraid of an armed man and trusthim.

Could deer crowd out cows?

Definitely not. This is largely due to the factors of the location of reindeer husbandry in Russia. Animals can only be raised in the conditions of the cold north. Even if the entrepreneur manages to obtain a business permit in central Russia (which is practically unrealistic), the deer simply will not feel comfortable in such conditions. Most likely, animals simply will not breed.

And why should cattle be forced out when it has a lot of advantages over deer? The cost of one kilogram of beef today varies from 190 to 280 rubles. But venison is unlikely to be found cheaper than 500-600 rubles per kilogram, unless you go to the region where it is grown on an industrial scale.

What do reindeer eat?

Now you know about reindeer breeding areas in Russia, but an important factor in breeding these animals is the food supply. Even if a farmer drives his herd to a pasture somewhere in the tundra, it is far from certain that there will be all the necessary herbs that make up the diet of deer. For example, one of the reindeer's favorite delicacies is a very specific moss lichen, which is also popularly called deer moss. It is this plant that should be part of any diet for raising an animal. Of course, you can’t do without hay in the winter season either, so you should stock up food in advance using various plants thatgrow in the northern regions.

Prospects for the development of the reindeer herding business in the northern regions of Russia

Most breeders in the North breed reindeer for the sole purpose of obtaining valuable food and resources needed to live in harsh conditions. However, you can also meet large farmers in the tundra who came to this region specifically to make money on animal husbandry. And such people are quite understandable. Today, more and more people are trying to adhere to the principles of a he althy diet and refuse fatty pork and beef in their diet. In addition, do not forget about the constant reduction in livestock, so the price of reindeer meat will only increase.

Farmers also keep deer to obtain a valuable skin, which has a huge value in the market. Most buyers prefer to buy a leather jacket or shoe, paying three times as much for it, but so that it lasts for several years, maybe even decades. Deer are a very good source of materials, so selling the skin to shoe factories can bring in quite a good income. Especially if the herd contains more than a dozen animals, but several.

As for horns and milk, these products are not as highly valued in the market as the two above, but this does not mean that they are of poor quality. From low-fat deer milk, quite tasty cottage cheese and cheese are obtained. So if you have a good oil mill, then the income from dairy products will be very tangible. WhatAs for the horns, they are not averse to purchase by hunters and collectors who love to decorate their homes with various trophies. According to local shamans and healers, the horns contain a powerful healing power that allows you to get rid of many diseases.

How he althy is deer meat?

The undeniable advantage of venison over pork and beef is that it has much less fat. Accordingly, this meat can no doubt be considered dietary. The product will be of particular benefit to those who are trying to lead a he althy lifestyle, professional athletes, as well as overweight people. In addition, venison will be indispensable for patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, because fatty meat in the diet is strictly contraindicated for them, and chicken and fish get bored quickly enough.

As for the taste of venison, it is not much different from beef. Of course, due to the fact that animals lead an active lifestyle, the product may seem somewhat harsh, but this is most often due to improper cooking. Venison should languish over low heat for at least 2.5 hours. The same applies to a slight sourness, which many people who have tried venison complain about. You can get rid of this aftertaste with the help of various spices and long cooking. If you manage to taste a delicious venison dish at least once, then you are unlikely to refuse this delicacy and buy it in supermarkets from time to time.

Video footage

If you decide to get seriousbreeding animals in the northern region, we strongly recommend watching a short video that tells about the interesting nuances of this type of animal husbandry. Also, the material is recommended for familiarization to those people who are simply interested in the culture and life of the northern peoples.

As you can see, living in the tundra is quite difficult, but for a person who is not afraid to work and follows the traditions of his people, this is a common thing. Reindeer husbandry helps to cope with all the difficulties and provides the population with almost all the necessary resources.

In closing

We hope now you know a little more about the areas of reindeer breeding in Russia and the peoples who are engaged in this difficult type of animal husbandry. Of course, you can try to grow these proud animals in the southern regions, but such an activity will be practically unpromising. For deer, special feed will have to be prepared, which consists of plants that are common only in the tundra. In addition, no one will allow the farmer to keep large herds. The maximum that is possible is the breeding of several individuals as ornamental animals.