Aspects of reproduction in female reindeer

Reindeer are kept under very extensive fanning systems and generally have a high fecundity. This has been the main reason why little interest has been paid to the reproductive physiology of this species. Recent efforts to increase the productivity of reindeer flocks have focused attention on young females which should not be subjected to the risk of giving birth to a calf. In order to evaluate strategies to avoid this problem further knowledge on reindeer reproduction is needed. This paper present current knowledge on reproductive endocrinology in reindeer with special emphasis to the control of reproduction. In this respect the ovarian function of non-pregnant females is of special interest.