Selection decisions among reindeer herders in Finland

Abstract

Selection of breeding animals is a tool to improve the revenues in animal production. Information about selection practices and criteria are essential in assessing the possibilities for systematic selection schemes. Attitudes of reindeer herders towards use of selection in improving production were investigated by means of interviews. We interviewed the managers of reindeer herding cooperatives concerning their selection decisions. Fortyfive out of 56 managers answered to the semi-structured questionnaire. Among herding operations, selection of breeding animals was regarded by managers as critical for calf 's autumn weight and survival. The main selection criteria were calf 's health, vigour, body size and muscularity, dam or dam line, and maternal care. Hair quality and hair length were important as well, while such often quoted traits as antler characteristics, e.g. early shedding of antler velvet and thick antler bases, were unimportant. The results show that reindeer herders i) acknowledge the importance and effects of selective breeding, and ii) have empirical knowledge to list the most important selection criteria.

Genetic variation in meat production related traits in reindeer (Rangifer t. tarandus)

“…Rönnegård et al (2002) discussed how the late maturing females have low calving rate (despite their good condition) and relates this to reproductive inability. Indeed, a herder will cull a female with a limited productivity (Rönnegård et al, 2002;Muuttoranta & Mäki-Tanila, 2011). Martinez et al (2004a) reported very high correlations (0.94-0.96) between the early and later production, hence the successful production in the rst parity can predict the lifetime performance.…”

“…e majority of meat is produced from calves born in spring and culled in autumn, and the number and size of autumn calves determine herd productivity. From a herder's perspective the best females should mature early, have high reproductive rate and long productive life (Muuttoranta & Mäki-Tanila, 2011). In addition, Genetic variation in meat production related traits in reindeer (Rangifer t. tarandus) they should take good care of their calves facilitating rapid growth and high survival.…”

“…In practice herders use this autumn live weight as the main selection criterion (Muuttoranta & Mäki-Tanila, 2011), as fast-growing animals are thought to result in a rise in the number and quality of calves slaughtered (Muuttoranta & Mäki-Tanila, 2011). In reindeer, the heritability estimates (h 2 ) for growth are scarce: Varo (1972) reported an estimate of 0.6 based on very few animals, whereas Appel & Danell (unpubl., in Rönnegård & Danell, 2003) used a larger population and reported an estimate of 0.4.…”

“…Reindeer herders consider good dams vital and dam quality is among the major selection criteria (Muuttoranta & Mäki-Tanila, 2011;2012). Quality of dam a ects productivity via her reproduction rate, maternal care and survival (Tanida et al, 1988;Brommer et al, 2002;Martinez et al, 2004a;2004b).…”

“…Quality of dam a ects productivity via her reproduction rate, maternal care and survival (Tanida et al, 1988;Brommer et al, 2002;Martinez et al, 2004a;2004b). Herders expect the dams to have a calf at foot in every autumn round-up (Muuttoranta & Mäki-Tanila, 2011). e good dams should have a long productive life which facilitates less need of recruitment animals, and hence a higher annual proportion for culling or meat production (Tanida et al, 1988;Martinez et al, 2004a).…”