Reindeer Castration — Does It Still Happen?

Name: Reindeer Castration — Does It Still Happen?
Uploaded: 2014-12-01T22:11:16Z
Duration: P111S
Description: Large males of a reindeer herd are important for a healthy tundra. Using large antlers they dig up the most snow to expose the ground for other reindeer to graze. However, during the annual rut males fight and mate rather than dig for grass and lichen. This is why castrating males is still practiced.The old technique of biting is being brought back because it is less severe than modern methods.

Clip: Episode 2 | 1m 51s

Large males of a reindeer herd are important for a healthy tundra. Using large antlers they dig up the most snow to expose the ground for other reindeer to graze. However, during the annual rut males fight and mate rather than dig for grass and lichen. This is why castrating males is still practiced.The old technique of biting is being brought back because it is less severe than modern methods.

Aired: 02/04/15

Rating: NR