Reindeer herding

Reindeer herding has significantly changed during the past few decades. More effort has been directed towards a sustainable industry and the overall economy of the business. Reindeer products and their quality are studied. Economical research of reindeer herding and reindeer husbandry is done in co-operation with the Institute’s socioeconomic and aquaculture research.

Advances in technology have greatly influenced the partitioning of expenses in reindeer husbandry. Photo Mauri Nieminen

The most significant changes in the reindeer herding industry have been the increase in the percentage of slaughtered calves, the regular medical treatment of parasites, and supplemental winter-feeding. At the same time, reindeer herding has utilized advances in technology and its accessory livelihoods (trades) have changed and developed. The income and cost structure of reindeer herding has changed. Research is now more closely focused on the most important reindeer products; meat and hides. These items are considered to be important in the tourism trade and exporting economy of the reindeer herding industry. More recently, attention is being directed at the chemical constituents of reindeer milk and blood.

Today, tourism is one of the most important accessory trades of reindeer husbandry. The product can be a high quality raw material, a ready-made reindeer dish or an outdoor experience built around the theme of reindeer herding. Photo Mauri Nieminen

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