The rutting season for Reindeer is between mid-August and mid-December. Bulls can be extremely dangerous during this time due to having very high hormone levels and are very protective of their cows. It may be necessary to have the bull's antlers removed after the vetvet has been rubbed off, just before the rutting season commences. When the bull is coming into rut he will often clean his antlers within 24-48 hours and his neck will swell up much larger than normal. The bull will loose his appetite during the rutting season.
Cows will be receptive to breeding from September through to end of November, and with a gestation period of just over 7 months, this will mean that calves will be born during April and May. Cows will ovulate approximately every 21 days during the rut.
Once the cow is ready for calving the udder will begin to swell and she will find an isolated spot to calve. Reindeer usually give birth to a single calf which can weigh from 8-14 lbs.
WAVERLEY REINDEER - SENIOR BULL
COW SUCKLING CALF
COW AND CALF OUT AT PASTURE
COWS AND CALVES
COWS WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE CALVES BY THE SIDE OF THEM
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