Within a project started during 2006 we investigate if and how different management practises affect reindeer in a short and long perspective. The aim is to find more detailed knowledge about the effect of management actions. This knowledge can be used by reindeer herders in order to decide when changes or modifications of methods are motivated.
In this project we use information from reindeer herders (collected via interviews and diaries) about when and how reindeer are handled for marking, selection, anti-parasite treatment, migration, feeding etc. The information is used in a mathematical model, with which we can calculate weight development of different categories of reindeer. The model can be used to identify management practices that may have large effects on reindeer body weight and condition, which in turn affect the productivity of the reindeer herd as well as the wellbeing of the animals.