Weight and linear growth of the skeleton of domestic reindeer of the Nenets breed

Abstract

Reindeer are one of the most widespread and adapted representatives of the northern territories of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Features of skeletal development are an important ontogenetic feature that reflects the level of development of the animal and the degree of realization of its genetic resource in the phenotype. The purpose of the presented research is to study the characteristics of the growth and development of the skeleton of the Nenets reindeer breed, taking into account the sex and age of the animals. Data were obtained on the peripheral and axial growth of skeletal bones from birth to the end of growth of males and females. Based on the studies conducted, it was possible to establish that in the postnatal period, the axial part of the skeleton of male and female reindeer grows faster than the peripheral part. Linear bone growth in deer ends earlier than weight growth. Females, compared to males, are characterized by more intense weight and linear growth of the skeleton, which confirms the relatively earlier completion of the growth and development of the body of females in relation to males of the same age. The growth rate of the reindeer skeleton is inferior to the rate of increase in live weight, which increases mainly due to the active growth of other tissues and organs. The greatest increase in skeletal mass and linear growth is observed during the milk period. Consequently, the first six months of a reindeer’s life are of great importance for the formation of physique, physiological precocity and the level of future meat and labor productivity. The revealed patterns of skeletal growth for reindeer of the Nenets breed do not exclude the possibility of extending them to reindeer of other breeds.