There are several sources of profit for such an exotic business as a deer farm. It is most profitable to breed deer for resale of animals to private hunting farms or to become an organizer of private hunting yourself.
Along with this, deer can be sold to private zoos and recreation parks, countryside hotel and restaurant complexes, and nature reserves. Many farms are willing to show animals to ecotourists.
The next direction is the export of venison abroad; the demand for venison in Europe is stable and high. Selling meat within our country for restaurants and gourmet food stores is also a difficult process, but realistic and profitable.
The “by-products” of deer breeding are readily purchased: skins by taxidermists, individuals, hunters, and industrial enterprises; antlers - by pharmaceutical companies; horns - manufacturers of souvenirs and decorative items.
It is most profitable to register a business as a peasant farm with simplified taxation.
Most often, deer are kept not in pens, but in open areas.
The northern regions and central part of the country are ideal.
The required area is from 2 hectares to 100, depending on the size of the herd.
The average cost of renting non-agricultural plots is 500 rubles. ($7.7) per hectare.
About 600 more dollars. for 1 hectare it will be required to enclose the farm with a fence, it is also worth building outbuildings for storing equipment, conducting veterinary examinations and slaughtering animals.
The cost of breeding deer depends on the breed and age. The most commonly bred are northern red deer - maral, mouflon, fallow deer, and sika deer.
Animals are purchased from certified breeders, of which there are many today; they provide veterinary certificates and often provide transportation of animals from other regions.
The price per individual ranges from $460-$800. Anyone wishing to open their own business is recommended to start with a livestock of at least 20-30 individuals.
It is not easy to find an experienced reindeer herder. Despite the fact that deer are quite unpretentious in care, even a large herd can be served by 2-3 workers, such a specialist will be required. The staff wage fund will be about $10-12,000 per year.
Cost 1 kg: minimum 3 dollars. in Russia and from 8-10 USD when exporting abroad. Catering establishments and delicatessen stores purchase deer tenderloins for $11-14 per kg.
To recoup the costs of maintaining animals, relying only on the sale of meat, the number of deer must be large enough - 100-120 individuals.
Many people, for one reason or another, decide to start raising deer. This is a truly profitable activity. What is important to know about modern reindeer husbandry?
Every person would not mind acquiring an unusual exotic animal, smooth-haired or fluffy, friendly and at the same time harmless. One of these is the deer. These are quite cute animals that are often bred at home. Raising deer at home is easy and even enjoyable. They adapt well to any environment, regardless of climatic conditions, and do well in captivity. Caring for these animals does not require special skills. The main thing they cannot live without is space. Therefore, try to provide them with a large free territory. Typically, low-yield lands and vegetable gardens are sought for deer breeding. Be sure to fence off the area. This can be done with a regular net, the main thing is that the fence must be at least 2.5 meters in height, otherwise the animal can easily escape. It is advisable that there are bushes and trees inside, fresh water and a piece of lick salt are required.
These pets are not picky about food. Branches, leaves, grass and tree bark are all they need. They will also not refuse apples, carrots and grain foods. Animals love to live big company(usually one male, several females and their offspring).
You can now purchase this exotic animal from many private owners. However, it is best to buy a deer from a nursery with all the necessary veterinary documents. It is now simple and accessible to everyone. If you can provide the animals good conditions for living, they will become for you good friends. Fawns become very attached to people. When you enter their fence, they will follow on your heels.
Deer are often bred for beauty and pleasure. Agree, it is very pleasant to sit with friends near the house and watch exotic animals running and grazing, feed them from your hands and play with them. The soul immediately becomes warm and cozy, the person next to them relaxes.
But there are quite a large number of people who breed deer not for beauty, but for profit. In this case, it is really very beneficial. They can be sold live or, no matter how sad it may sound, butchered for meat. It is known that it is absorbed in the body much better than pork, lamb or beef. This is a very healthy and dietary product. Its cholesterol content is minimal. Venison prices are now relatively low. Animal skin is also highly valued and is often used as a decorative option in the home. The skin will be a wonderful gift for friends.
Not many people come up with the idea of creating their own business in reindeer breeding. In fact, deer breeding is a very profitable business that has not yet completely filled the market. Deer meat is tasty and quite expensive, but the demand for it remains high. It is worth noting that deer are also called deer.
In Russia, residents of some parts have extensive experience in reindeer breeding, especially in the northern part of the country. In addition, a large share of cultivation is also concentrated in the Altai region. Exactly in that area climatic conditions allow animals to be raised in a farm that is as close as possible to the animals’ natural habitat.
In Europe, wild reindeer are found in the mountains and forests of Norway, Finland and Russia. Poaching is a serious threat to reindeer in the Russian Federation, especially since domestic reindeer husbandry has declined in many areas. Reindeer hunting is strictly controlled in eastern Russia and Norway, but poaching still continues in much of Russia. Reindeer may also be threatened by habitat loss in Finland and increased disturbance in some areas of Norway due to winter sports.
Today, Canada's reindeer conservation needs are recognized by the Canadian government. In Europe, deer are protected under the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wild Animals and Natural Habitats. Do your research, check your staff.
Thanks to the fact that you can add to food healing herbs, and in Altai there are more than 200 types of them; animal meat also has healing substances. In addition to meat, you can also use blood or. Deer farms were created and successfully raised animals back in the 19th century. In this regard, many people who are starting to build a similar business have answers to all their questions in Altai. Employees of those farms will be able to help in matters of care, maintenance, nutrition and general cultivation the beast, in general, give away their knowledge and experience.
Deer and caribou have the same species. They look very similar and will reproduce when combined. Caribou are the wild cousins of reindeer. In other countries they are all called "deer", regardless of whether they are wild or domesticated. They are called "cattle of the north." Deer have been domesticated for thousands of years.
On our farm the deer are 8-10 inches shorter than the caribou. They shed their antlers every year and grow a new, wider set. Bred cows keep their horns until their calves are born; fall and rise of new set. As the horns grow, they are soft, spongy, and full of blood and tissue. They are sensitive and deer do not like people touching them. They are covered with fluffy skin, and this scene is called "in velvet."
If we delve into the historical facts, we can say that deer farms are widespread in the UK. It was this country that was the first to begin breeding animals in order to obtain tasty and useful product. At the end of the 20th century, the demand for deer meat increased greatly and this caused a surge, thanks to which similar farms began to form around the world.
Mature bulls chase young bulls and usually make life miserable for everyone. Mature bulls should either be kept in separate pens, or in fields, or have sufficient large area to prevent the dominant bull from trapping, injuring or killing other bulls.
They are up and walking within a few hours of birth. The mother's milk sac is quite small and the calf can empty it in less than a minute. Deer usually have one birth. Calves grow quickly and can weigh 125 pounds by the time they are 4 months old.
Also, those who decide to engage in such a business should know that reindeer husbandry is rightfully considered an occupation for northern peoples, but besides this, they can be bred in any other point on earth. Thus, animals are bred in the states, Canada, Russia and European countries.
There are many farms in Russia where they breed deer in order to obtain meat and allow those who like to hunt. In addition, on such farms you can buy breeding deer. There are also opportunities to relax with animals and various excursions around the farm.
It also insulates them during the winter. They can live in extreme temperatures. In winter they do not need shelter as they will simply curl up in the snow. If it's very cold, they can lower the temperature of their feet to 33 degrees and just warm up their bodies. Our deer come from a herd that was sold to Canada in a herd located in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada. Temperatures there range from the 80s in the summer to -75 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Deer can be kept in hot climates but must have good shade and accessible water.
Reindeer, which are bred in the tundra, are subsequently used only for their unusual meat. In the Altai Territory, deer are bred to remove pantones. Deer with Far East used both for pantons and for meat production.
If we talk about this kind of business, then this area is very good. Anyone can discover and find themselves in it, since competition is almost zero.
One deer owner in Texas says he applies wet sand to the floor of the barn and uses fans to keep them very cool. hot weather. Deer are friendly, curious animals. They don't smell bad and their feces don't have granules. They will eat grass, weeds and leaves. The granules are made from barley, vitamins, minerals, salt and molasses. We mix the pellets with "spent grain or beer mash" from Anchorage breweries and above-ground hay. This is a very nutritious food. They are fed twice a day, receiving about 5 pounds per deer to feed.
The immune system of deer is very strong. They are practically not susceptible to disease and adapt perfectly to any conditions. The adaptation process happens very quickly.
In nature, animals live about 14 years. If we talk about farms and nurseries, their life will be twice as long. This allows you to receive finished products doubly.
This area is accessible even to beginners who only have theoretical experience in this area. It is very important to simply love animals and make every effort to make them feel comfortable on the farm. Although it may seem simple at first glance, it is not actually easy.
After that, we released them into a field with a 6-foot fence. Any loose wire is something to play with! In summer they need shade. They can be raised as a lean, tasty source of meat. Horns can be sold when at the velvet stage. They can be trained to pull a sleigh or cart and ride. They also attract thousands of tourists to our farm during the summer months. Recommend joining the Association of Deer Owners and Breeders.
Good quarterly newsletter and can tell you who to sign up with. Each state has different requirements. Check with your state veterinarian to find out the rules for your state. We sell a limited amount each year to maintain our numbers but still provide you with deer. We do not store a list of buyers. We will deliver deer in boxes with a health certificate to international Airport Anchorage within the sale price. Over the last 10 years we have shipped over 200 deer to approximately 20 states.
Like any business, reindeer husbandry has its difficulties. Firstly, the organizational part should be noted, namely the arrangement of the square. Secondly, you should take care of marketing issues that will allow you to sell finished products. It is recommended to sell the product together with someone. Because in Russia there may be some difficulties with this.
Everyone was delivered safely and alive! First steps: Contact your state veterinarian to find out whether your state considers deer to be livestock or wildlife. Ask if deer are legal in your state, and if so, what tests are required for their health certificate. Our herd has been tested for tuberculosis and brucellosis. Our herd is negative for both.
Once you know whether reindeer are under agriculture or fish and game, contact the appropriate agency to find out what kind of fencing your state requires. If you have white tailed deer in your area and you are east of the Mississippi River, you will want to have fences high enough to keep them out. Whitetail deer can carry brain worms, which are deadly to deer, caribou, elk and llamas. If you have moose, caribou, reindeer or llama in your area, you don't have to worry about it.
But, despite all the problems, this is a profitable business. If everything is calculated and done correctly, then big money will begin to appear, since this shelf in the business sector has not yet been filled. Although, reindeer husbandry is already an old thing.
Those who are starting such a business should highlight and decide on some very important factors:
We recently flew to Alaska Airlines to Seattle and Haines without any complications. We've been told that Delta can take deer, but hasn't tried using them yet. The antlers will have to be sawed off on larger deer so they can fit comfortably in the boxes. All animals require a movement check to see if they are allowed in the state of Alaska or out of state. Permission to install takes approximately 3 weeks to 1 month to return test results and clear to move.
So it's ideal to have a small handle on a 6 to 7 foot high fence or wall to prevent this from happening. You have grass, hay, water and feed or swab. They'll call him home in a week or two, and then they can head out to a big pen or field with 6-foot fences. Deer love to "play" fences with their antlers. The fencing wire needs to be high tensile strength and tight or they will cut holes in it with their horns. The neighboring dogs were ours big problem predator.
It is very important to create and calculate a business plan before starting breeding. This document is considered very important in any field. Any reindeer husbandry can have its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as requirements for area, livestock, expenses, etc.
We used charcoal panels covered with plastic fencing and it works well until they rub the velvet off with their antlers and then they rip it apart! Open the door and leave them alone. They will come out on their own. Make sure they have snow or water. They may return to the crate to sleep for a night or two.
Give them time to settle, call it home and get used to their surroundings. Some will come up to you and let you drink or feed them. Deer are less "creepy" than other types of deer, but they still like you to move slowly and speak quietly until they recognize you. Some people feel less threatened if you sit or kneel. We didn't look them in the eyes, we sat with a big bowl of reindeer herders and waited until they came to us. After a few days we were able to pet their noses a little while they ate from the bowl.
The farm plan should include:
We then held on to the leash for a few seconds, each time increasing the amount of time and pressure. We could then put on a rope and pull them out of the feather for some grass. They were soon looking forward to it. Deer and caribou are the same species. Caribou are wild cousins of reindeer and are indigenous North America. "Caribou" is a Canadian-Indian word meaning "splitting of the earth". Caribou were a source of food for gold miners, and the natives traded caribou meat to whalers.
Because of this and other natural forces, caribou herds declined sharply and herds did not migrate through villages in Western Alaska. The natives relied on caribou for food and clothing. Reindeer were domesticated by thousands of people in Siberia and Lapland. He helped establish missionary schools for the natives. There were no roads or travel on Cutter ships. Healy, skipper, to buy deer. He bought 16 deer, wanting to see if they could be transported alive.
Once the plan is drawn up, breeding can begin. It should begin with the purchase of young animals and immediately adopt experience in their cultivation and reproduction. By 20 months, animals are already gaining weight, and their meat and its characteristics are already full of all substances. For example, if a business is created to obtain meat, then from an animal weighing 120 kg, you will get 60 kg of pure meat.
Sheldon Jackson asked Congress for funds to travel to Norway to purchase reindeer. At this time a message came that emergency ended, and so most of them continued in Unalakleet, a small village on Norton Sound. They stayed and continued their nomadic lifestyle, following the deer as they grazed and migrated. The Lapps were hired by the US government to train the natives like a herd of deer.
They were driven through Alaska towards Canada. They encountered strong winds, wolf attacks, snowstorms and very cold temperatures. At some point, about half the herd turned and headed home. Several men and dogs followed for about 100 miles before they caught up and turned them around! They had to wait a year for the Mackenzie River to freeze over so they could cross. When they arrived, they only had 10% of the eared deer they started with.
There are not many farms in Russia from which you can learn experience, but there is one farm that is located in middle lane Russia. The northern beast is bred in it. The farm is located in the Orekhovo-Zuevsky district in the Moscow region. It is there that workers can share their experience in breeding animals.
Unique among other animals. They have horns, both female and male. The size of the animal is average, but not very large. The body length is approximately 2-2.5 meters. Height to withers is about 1.5 meters. The weight of the animal is about 120 kg, but there are specimens up to 220 kg. The color changes depending on the time of year. In winter they have a variegated color. IN summer time Mostly the color changes to brown.
The diet of this type of animal is standard, as for ordinary livestock. To keep reindeer, it is recommended to choose areas that can feed an entire herd throughout the year. In summer, animals eat almost everything that grows in the tundra and tundra forests. In winter, the food consists mainly of reindeer moss, which the animals pull out from under the snow.
When breeding this species, you will need to monitor their health, since their metabolism may be impaired, wounds or other damage may appear. If the baby develops, you should look at it general development, and also monitor the process of childbirth in females. In addition, there are diseases of stomatitis and enteritis.
The color of this type is red with spots white on the sides. This kind of fur can be seen in summer period, in winter the color changes to gray or brown. Sika deer can be identified by the color above the tail. There the color is different from the main one so that animals can find each other in the forests. The sika deer is small in size, weighing approximately 130 kg, height up to 110 cm, and body length up to 180 cm.
Deciduous terrain is ideal for sika deer. Therefore, it is better to build a farm near forests, of which there are quite a lot in Russia. Sika deer are listed in the Red Book, so killing them is prohibited. Young antlers are often taken from such deer, which allow them to be cured of almost all diseases.
Breeding deer of this species is allowed, so those who wish can buy young animals and breed them. It will perfectly decorate the garden area. It is recommended to create a fence or enclosure for the animal, in which there will be small house made of wood. Inside such a house you can put drinking bowls and feeders.
Animals feed on leaves, hay, grass, acorns and nuts. You can also add berries and wood bark to your diet. In addition, the diet can completely use nutrition similar to cattle.
Breeding tips:
Finally, it should be noted that it is necessary to engage in reindeer husbandry with a small number of animals. Expansion should be done in the same way. It is recommended to buy only breeding deer that are sold by proven farms and farms. It is from them that you can learn valuable experience and help. You need to remember the rule of such farms, namely the direct relationship: with a large farm, there will be fewer expenses, but more profit.
If the reindeer herding culture has centuries-old history and can be considered as a formalized and established direction of animal husbandry, the domestication of red deer has occurred over the past hundred years. This began with the activities of Russian settlers in Altai, where the ultimate goal was the creation of antler breeding farms, and the meat industry became relevant only in the 21st century. In contrast, reindeer husbandry, which began to develop in the 70s in Great Britain, Central Europe and, later, in the countries of Eastern Europe, it initially had a pronounced meat direction, from which literally over the last 20-30 years the trophy business branched off, took shape, and in some places even took a leading position. A similar picture is observed in New Zealand.
In Altai antler farms, back in the period Soviet Union work began on breeding a breed of domesticated deer, which has now culminated in the creation of the Altai-Sayan breed, clearly defined as a breed of farm animals, significantly different in a number of criteria, including economic ones, from its wild ancestor. Currently, the prospects for using this breed, along with antler breeding, clearly show its use for reindeer meat breeding. Due to the availability of reliable information, in most calculations characterizing meat reindeer husbandry, data on this breed will be used in this review. Despite the fact that meat reindeer husbandry in Europe has deeper roots, it is premature to talk about a formalized breed of farm animals of the European red deer, although the volume and results breeding work European and New Zealand reindeer herders are impressive, especially when it comes to breeding deer for trophy purposes. Meat reindeer husbandry for the European fallow deer began to develop somewhat later than reindeer husbandry for the European deer, and its center of origin is geographically located in Central and Eastern Europe. According to a number of criteria, such as meat quality, pasture load, housing density, behavioral characteristics that make it easier to work with this species, the fallow deer has some advantage over the red deer.
It should be noted that reindeer husbandry in no way can be considered as an absolute alternative to the classic breeding of cattle, sheep and goats. This is rather an addition that allows for more productive use of territories, increasing the yield of meat products per unit of pasture, and including into agricultural circulation lands that are unsuitable for other types of livestock farming.
A characteristic indicator is studies conducted in the savannas of Africa, which showed that wild ungulates use 193 species of plants for feeding, while livestock is limited to 30 species. It is important that the degradation of pasture lands on reindeer pastures is significantly less than on pastures of (classical) farm animals.
The diet of all deer is based primarily on grass and high-quality hay. IN winter period It is advisable to add grain or grind it at the rate of up to two kilograms per deer and 800 grams per doe per day. Stocking densities range from two to fifteen red deer per hectare and from five to thirty fallow deer per hectare. This depends on the capacity of pastures, soil structure, the capabilities and desire of farm owners to provide animals, in addition to pasture, with additional feeding. A highly desirable element of keeping animals in winter is access to unfrozen water. Eating snow and ice is possible as an alternative to non-freezing watering holes, but at the same time, the animal spends part of its energy melting snow and ice in the stomach, which significantly affects growth and fatness.
Comparison of prices for deer meat in Russia and abroad (price from the manufacturer for a carcass and half-carcass)
Type of deer........................Price in Russia, rub./kg. ........................Price in Europe, rub./kg.
Reindeer................................... 140-240......... ........................................500-600
Maral, red deer......................... 270-400.................................... ...........................500-850
Elk................................................. ....120-500.................................... ......500-850
Doe........................................No offer ........................................600-700
Roe................................................. 450-700................................................... ...550-1000
Sika deer................................... 170-430......... .......................................No data
According to European reindeer herders, the average fertility of red deer on farms is 67 calves per 100 females, while in a number of farms using artificial insemination the yield is up to 94 calves per 100 females. In Altai reindeer farms containing non-breed deer, the increase in livestock is, on average, 47 calves per 100 females, while farms containing deer of the Altai-Sayan breed receive up to 70 calves per 100 females under similar conditions.
Some favorable years were noted when the livestock increase was 96 calves per 100 females. It should be remembered that it is not the number of calves born that is taken into account, but those that survived to the age of 1 year. In New Zealand's reindeer herding farms, the increase in livestock ranges from 75 to 90 calves per 100 females, which is certainly due to a much milder climate and improved animal husbandry technology. We do not have data on the growth of the fallow deer population; only a number of foreign publications note that for it these criteria are somewhat higher than for red deer. In the late 1960s - early 1970s, the production of venison (as a game product) developed rapidly in Scotland and New Zealand, where red deer was initially chosen for breeding for meat, since the population size of this species of ungulates in New Zealand was quite large. high. The required number of individuals were captured and placed inside high, tear-resistant steel mesh fences. It was soon discovered that deer were easily tamed and no more difficult to manage than livestock. The main product of the industry here has always been venison, supplied to Europe.
Today there are approximately 1.5 million reproductive females in New Zealand's reindeer herds. The central place in the organization of farming here is given to the system of weaning calves before their first winter and providing shelter for young animals in regions with cold and wet winters. Then the grown-up deer are kept on free grazing until they are sent to the slaughterhouse. One stud bull covers about fifty females. Red deer respond extremely well to this simple system management, and diseases among farmed deer are rare. New Zealand's captive red deer can be said to meet any definition of a 'pet'. Thus, it became the first truly new large domestic farm animal in the last five thousand years.
And in the UK the most convenient for farm breeding turned out to be red deer, which began to be exported throughout Europe: to France, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Portugal, Czechoslovakia, Denmark and Sweden, New Zealand, to Taiwan, Japan and the USA, Austria, Greece, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. In most of these countries, game owners have attempted to implement the same deer management practices used on farms in New Zealand and the UK. After the initial surge of interest in enclosure breeding of deer in the 1980s and early 1990s, there came a period when the significant material costs required for effective selection acted as a limiting factor for the development of reindeer husbandry. Many aviary farms created in initial period the rise of the industry went bankrupt. But the steadily increasing demand for venison has led to the fact that a steady revival of reindeer husbandry is currently underway.
In parallel with the development of reindeer husbandry in New Zealand and Great Britain, Günther Rinken and his colleagues were the first in Germany to develop the technology for farm breeding of fallow deer and tested it in practice, creating a wild game farm in the agricultural center Haus Riswick (Rhine-Westphalia). Fallow deer to this day remains the most popular species for aviary breeding not only in Germany, but also in Austria, Switzerland, Sweden and, with some reservations, in Denmark and Central Europe.
Reindeer husbandry is a relatively new branch of the economy, and legislation has yet to be developed that will allow this industry to develop to its full potential. Venison is the only type of red meat whose consumption is steadily increasing. The health benefits of venison, such as its low fat content and high iron content, have led many scientists to talk about the benefits of eating venison.
Product cost: 250-400 rubles (meat, minced meat), finished gourmet products about 800 rubles/kg.
For the majority of the country's population, venison is exotic. Fans of a healthy lifestyle support interest in the delicacy. Deer meat is an environmentally friendly dietary product low in cholesterol and high in vitamins and minerals. Steady demand remains in restaurants that specialize in non-traditional cuisine or offer seasonal specialized menus. Unlike Russia, reindeer meat has gained enormous popularity in Europe, especially in the last 20 years. Due to the limited Scandinavian population due to natural conditions, demand for venison in Europe consistently exceeds supply. The main buyers and consumers of venison in the world are Germany, South Korea, Canada, UK, Japan, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Deer meat contains in sufficient and balanced quantities the main nutrients– proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Among European gourmets, venison products are considered real delicacies. In Europe, and in Russia too, everything larger number people pay attention to their health, so they try to exclude fatty meats from their diet and switch to meat and venison products.
Deer meat contains 16 types of amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, as well as potassium, magnesium, sodium and iron, selenium and manganese, copper, zinc and phosphorus. The unique combination of substances in reindeer meat does not allow fat to accumulate in the human body. Deer meat - contains 6.7% more protein than the best varieties beef meat. The amount of fat in deer meat is quite small, so venison is in high consumer demand.
Venison is a lean and healthy food, distinguished by its delicate taste and high content useful substances, and its low calorie content is ideal for the menu for those who strive for a healthy lifestyle, as well as children, the elderly, athletes, and representatives of “heavy” professions. The biggest advantage of venison over traditional meats, beef and pork, is its low fat content. There are only 160 calories per 100 grams of roasted venison. If you compare the same serving of a beef tenderloin dish, it will be 235 calories. So, when eating deer meat, you don’t have to worry about your figure. The fine fiber and tenderness of reindeer meat only add to the popularity of venison delicacies. Deer meat helps improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood circulation, reduces the formation of harmful fats, stimulates sexual functions, and helps eliminate heavy metals and toxic substances from the body due to its high content of selenium. In addition, deer meat is very tasty. In addition to fresh or freshly frozen meat, offers have appeared on sale in Russia finished products– dried, smoked and raw smoked venison. This is a promising type of activity, because breeding fallow deer will be very profitable in the near future, also in tourism and ecotourism:
From the time of birth until the time of capture of the calf (that is, approximately six months of age), the livestock breeder bears no responsibility.
expenses for feeding this animal, since it feeds on pasture and mother’s milk.
Breeding fallow deer does not create any particular difficulties and makes it possible to use soils unsuitable for sowing,
and also guarantees low costs associated with maintaining the farm.
This activity requires small fixed costs, since it will be enough to service 1,500 animals
one employee.
Analysis of meat productivity and morphological composition of deer carcasses
The study of the morphological composition of deer carcasses indicates that the meat of these animals has good meat productivity. The amount of pulp obtained from male deer is 73.5%, from female deer - 71.8%, with an average weight of a two-year-old animal of about 110 kg. The weight of fallow deer is about 40 kg.
A consolidated calculation of the cost of maintaining a farm herd of 100 heads is about 250,000 rubles. per year (main expenses for feed grain (about 6,000 rubles/t, about 2,000 rubles/head, hay and overhead costs). Maintaining a herd is subject to grazing areas from 180 to 300 hectares, depending on the productivity of pasture lands.
The cost of forming a herd is about 5,000,000 rubles. for the purchase of breeding producers. Young stock production is about 70 calves per herd of 100 animals (the forecast is average, close to pessimistic). Slaughter at 1.5-2 years of age.
Final calculations:
1,100 heads x 50,000 rubles = 5,000,000 rubles (breeding producers).
2. 2000 rubles/head x 100 heads of herd = 200,000 rubles (feed costs per herd for the year). Maintaining a herd with offspring for 2 years costs about 540,000 rubles.
3.About 80 kg. - meat productivity of 1 animal 2 years of age (about 70% of live weight).
4. 70x80 kg = 5600 kg (annual meat productivity of the herd).
5.5600 x 300 rubles = 168,000 rubles (sales value of meat produced from the herd per year).
6. Net planned annual income - about 1,000,000 rubles.
7. Payback - about 5 years.
The calculations are close to the pessimistic scenario; meat prices were taken into account at minimum prices. Increase
profitability can be achieved by including in sales finished meat products, dressed hides, breeding animals for breeding and trophy orders.
Reindeer farming is a good option entrepreneurial activity. Antlers are considered the most valuable of these animals. These are unossified horns small sizes. They are used in medicine. No less valuable is the blood of deer. Meat and animal skins bring good income.
Reindeer farming as a business is not for everyone. This comes with some difficulties. To start a business, you need to choose the right niche. IN in this case Peasant farming is suitable. In this case, it is worth choosing a traditional or simplified taxation system. This allows you not to pay interest on sold agricultural products for five years from the date of registration. Such activities can be registered by one person or a group of citizens with family ties.
To register a peasant farm for reindeer breeding, you must present your tax identification number and passport to the tax office. When registering, you must indicate the type of business activity. It is worth noting that breeding and keeping deer has been classified as livestock farming since 2014. 
To decrease start-up capital, you can try to get subsidies. However, much depends on the chosen direction of the economy. In this case, there are several options. An entrepreneur can work in the commodity direction, collect and sell products.
It is also possible to start breeding reindeer or red deer. However, to obtain this status, an entrepreneur must work in the chosen field for at least three years. In this case, compliance with all veterinary and sanitary rules. Only if this condition is met will it be possible to obtain the appropriate certificate.
Reindeer breeding should be carried out practically in wild conditions. Moreover, the area of land intended for farming depends on the number of livestock. The entire territory should be divided into sections, since young males must be kept separately from females. They can be combined only during the mating period and for a short time.
This approach will allow you to control the growth of the livestock, as well as place animals depending on their age. It is worth considering that such content has a small percentage of risk. For example, a fence does not always withstand attacks from wild predators. In addition, golden eagles often prey on baby deer. These birds cannot be shot, as the species is endangered.
When choosing a place for breeding deer, it is worth considering that these animals live in the thick of the forest in winter and summer, and in meadows and near swamps in spring and autumn. 
Reindeer breeding is a complex process. After all, animals need to be fed properly. Their diet mainly consists of woody plants, agricultural legumes and cereals. How to feed deer? Their diet should include:
The diet of deer depends on the time of year. So, in the spring, animal nutrition should include:
In summer, the diet consists of:
IN autumn period meals include:
In winter, the diet of deer consists of:
In order for reindeer breeding to be profitable, it is necessary to follow all the recommendations of experts. Lichens, mosses, acorns, mushrooms, bark and fallen tree leaves can be given to animals as nutritious foods. It is worth noting that deer can eat crayfish, fish and algae if there is a river near their habitat. 
Breeding domestic reindeer requires not only a lot of experience, but also considerable financial costs. Especially if animals are raised for meat products. These animals reach marketable weight already at the 20-24th month of life. It is during this period that it is most profitable to slaughter deer. One animal can produce about 55-60 kilograms of clean meat.
Breeding deer for meat requires compliance with certain rules:
Before starting a business, you need to draw up a business plan for reindeer breeding. Experts say that the cost of meat from these animals is approximately 30% lower than the cost of beef. At the same time, prices for venison are higher. Profit is easy to calculate. For example, a kilogram of beef costs about 700 rubles, and average price a kilogram of venison is at least 1,200 rubles. The maximum cost of such products reaches 2,000.
Such a high price for venison can be explained by the fact that the meat of these animals is dietary and contains no cholesterol, rich in microelements and vitamins. It is worth noting that such products contain iron, sulfur, potassium and calcium. The request for venison in the Moscow region alone is 5 tons. As you can see, the benefits of such a business are obvious. Therefore, reindeer breeding in Russia is becoming a more popular activity.
Antlers are one of the most popular products in medicine. They are usually cut off from individuals whose age has already reached 2 years. For mating, deer with the largest and most beautiful antlers are selected from the entire herd. This improves performance. The resulting raw materials are canned and boiled. Biologically active additives are made from antlers that can boost immunity and restore the circulatory and nervous systems.
The procurement of raw materials begins in May and lasts until July. During this period, the antlers grow large and do not have time to ossify. To accurately cut deer antlers, a special machine is required. The animal is secured in it and blindfolded. The duration of the procedure should not exceed three minutes. After removing the antlers, the cut areas should be treated: carefully cauterized and then lubricated with clay. This will prevent infection. 
Two days after cutting, the antlers must be boiled. To do this, the horns must be lowered into a container filled with boiling water for three minutes. Finally, it is recommended to steam the antlers. This procedure should also last at least three minutes. You need to repeat all manipulations with the horns 5-8 times. After this, the antlers must be placed in a sauna and “fried”. Here the processing is carried out at different temperatures. It is worth noting that after all the procedures, the horns lose about 65% of their weight. This is due to their dehydration.
The cost of one kilogram of dried and prepared antlers costs from 200 to 250 dollars. One deer can produce up to 30 kilograms of antlers over the course of a year. 
To create an environment suitable for deer, it is necessary to spend about 800 thousand rubles per 1 square meter. As for the cost of purchasing livestock, purchasing 500 heads will require approximately 600 thousand rubles. If you start a business in the commodity direction, everything will pay off in about 4-5 years. The main thing is to properly care for the animals and follow all veterinarian recommendations.
When starting such a business, it is worth considering that for the first few years there will be practically no income, since the young animals must grow up.
* The calculations use average data for Russia
In Russia Agriculture is currently in a deplorable state, but some of its species practically do not develop at all. This also includes reindeer husbandry, which is traditionally considered the occupation of the indigenous peoples of the north. However, reindeer breeding is also possible in other regions; moreover, in the north the available opportunities are not fully used, and therefore we can say that this area is still available to many beginning entrepreneurs. Of course, there will be a lot of difficulties in this type of business, and in addition to your own business, you will have to think about developing a marketing campaign aimed at promoting reindeer herding products throughout the country, and doing this alone is almost impossible, and you will need to work together with other entrepreneurs. However, the opening prospects should convince the businessman that this niche is a great way to make money. Especially if she receives government support.
To start working, you must register as a business entity. Here, registration of a peasant farm (peasant farm) is best suited, because in its essence it is very close (legally) to individual entrepreneurship. That is, there is an analogue of a simplified taxation system - a single agricultural tax, and the registration itself is not complicated. Register entity It makes sense only if you plan to open a large enterprise with a different profile of work. In general, registration will not take more than a month, and you will hardly need more than 10 thousand money. Also, if a peasant farm is registered, it is worth contacting the local administration to clarify information about available benefits; in some regions, support programs are financed by the local government. Next, you need to contact your local veterinary service to obtain permission to run your farm. Special requirements are imposed on farmers who plan to raise deer for slaughter, that is, for meat production. In this case, veterinarians even visit the farm and check the correctness of slaughter (here the requirements will be put forward by the service itself, which had to be contacted), not to mention the fact that it will be necessary to provide samples of their products for laboratory research. Obtaining this permit can be particularly difficult for many farms, so it is a good idea to have an experienced reindeer herder working on the farm by this time, who knows these animals well, understands how to care for them and knows all their diseases and can eliminate any problems that arise. To get help in obtaining certificates, you can contact a specialized office that prepares for licensing activities, but this company will require additional funds for its work.
Reindeer husbandry can be founded for different purposes, and only experienced farms combine several areas at once. The most obvious solution is to raise deer for meat and by-products, which include antlers and hides. Some pharmaceutical companies purchase slaughter waste products for their needs (for example, antlers); the skins may be of interest to industrial enterprises, taxidermists and hunters, but selling meat in Russia can be very difficult. Still, only some restaurants that prepare exotic dishes buy venison, and in everyday life only those northern peoples eat deer; V central Russia It is quite difficult to meet a person who has tried venison at least once. There is practically no demand for this meat in this country, but many companies in Europe will be happy to buy Russian venison. The fact is that Russia has the largest number of deer, even in the Scandinavian countries, in which deer are considered a common farm animal, they are raised several times less. Therefore, there is a demand for meat abroad, but here you need to have a huge amount of evidence and conclusions in order to be able to export such products. However, if you engage in a marketing campaign, you can instill a love for this tasty and healthy meat in your country, but this is a very long-term and complex project. In general, in terms of its taste, venison can easily compete with traditional types of meat. But there are other options for developing your business. Very often, deer are raised for hunting; many breeders are engaged in reindeer husbandry in order to subsequently release the raised animals into the territory where hunters shoot them. Today this is almost the simplest and most profitable direction, and from a legal point of view, not a single law is violated - animals are delivered to a fenced area, they do not affect the population of wild deer, and hunters hunt in accordance with established requirements. Another option is livestock breeding, that is, raising deer for the subsequent sale of live animals. They can be supplied to other countries and sold within their own country. If you find enough consumers, this type of business can become very profitable. Finally, animals can be farmed for ecotourism, there is a special interest in deer as beautiful animals, and many people visit deer farms simply to see the deer in person and even ride them. That is, there are several directions, and each entrepreneur, if one of these directions does not justify itself, can switch to another.
First you need to find a territory for your farm. Deer are rarely kept in closed pens; they are usually given a considerable amount of space - this allows the animals to feel great in captivity and, most importantly, to feed on their own. Of course, additional food will be required, but not in the same quantities if you had to keep the deer in a small area. You need a plot of at least several hectares; for a large herd it can be tens of hectares. Here the entrepreneur himself determines what size of his farm he is ready to start a business with. Of course, a beginner should be advised to open a relatively small farm. The cost of renting one hectare of land will vary greatly depending on the region; by the way, reindeer can be raised not only in the northern regions, but also in central Russia. However, the land here will be more expensive; the taiga and tundra regions traditional for reindeer husbandry are no different high cost, they can be rented or even purchased for a relatively low price. It is also worth contacting the administration in your area with an offer to rent land, here it can be rented out for long-term rent at the most minimum price or even free. But let’s take into account the cost of one hectare, equal to 500 rubles for one year of use. You can take non-agricultural land. So, 100 hectares of land will cost an entrepreneur 50 thousand rubles a year, and in most cases this is a very inflated amount; if you wish, you can save significantly (or not pay at all, as was noted). That is, there should be no problems with the site; reindeer husbandry can generally be practiced in areas where no useful crops grow at all. You also need to fence your plot, and there are several options. If we take into account the most expensive and high-quality fence, then to fence 100 hectares you will need about 4 million rubles. In addition, it will be necessary to build farm buildings in which reindeer herders will live and where reindeer will be slaughtered and other operations with animals will be carried out. There are many options here too, but the exact cost construction work depends on a huge number of factors. In general, for an amount of around 10 million rubles you can get a ready-made farm measuring 100 hectares, only this size of plot is suitable for large enterprises. Farmers usually occupy a much smaller area.
Next comes the purchase of breeding animals. The cost of one animal depends on its type; in general, reindeer husbandry includes raising animals that are quite different from each other. Traditional reindeer husbandry involves the cultivation of reindeer; today, the most widespread is the cultivation of maral or, as it is also called, red deer. True, this animal is not typical for Russia, and it is usually imported from other countries or artificially bred on farms. Growing mouflon, fallow deer and sika deer is also popular. The cost of one breeding animal starts from about 30 thousand rubles and reaches 50 thousand; in order for the farm to generate income, you need to have a considerable number of deer, that is, even a dozen will not be enough. If we take into account 50 animals, then we need to allocate 2.5 million rubles for the purchase of the first deer. Finding a breeder today is usually not difficult, but we cannot rule out the possibility that animals will have to be transported from a completely different region, which means that transportation costs will also have to be included. But good farms can supply animals with ready-made veterinary certificates and all the necessary vaccinations. In general, initially it is worth looking only for such farms for cooperation.
Ready ideas for your business
The biggest problem in this business will most likely be the search for people who will service the farm. There are really few experienced reindeer herders; this science is practically not taught anywhere. Therefore, it is ideal if the entrepreneur himself understands reindeer husbandry. There are also positive point in reindeer husbandry - deer are very unpretentious animals, so even a very large herd can only be looked after by 2 people. That is, an entrepreneur, ideally, will not even need to hire outside specialists, because if he understands reindeer husbandry directly, it will be enough to teach simple skills to his family members. Then you won’t have to spend money on employees, because the salary of experienced reindeer herders can be very significant. Although there are no exact indicators, and the salary can vary greatly depending on the region. If we take it equal to 30 thousand rubles, then two employees will already receive 60 thousand, and the annual wage fund will be 720 thousand rubles. And this is without other expenses for maintaining its employees. The next expense item is the actual maintenance of the deer themselves. According to the calculations of experienced reindeer herders, it will take about 10 thousand rubles a year to maintain one animal, this includes food and the necessary veterinary examinations. Although on many farms it is not possible to optimize costs, so in most cases it will take 2 times more to maintain one deer. Thus, to maintain 50 deer, you need to allocate half a million rubles for a year, and in a bad case - one million. Thus, to open your own reindeer farm, you will need to allocate an amount of almost 14 million rubles to create and ensure the first year of operation. This is a very large amount, but some farms were opened for an amount within 5 million, that is, this is a calculation for a relatively large farm.
The annual cost of maintaining your farm of 50 animals will be a little more than one million two hundred thousand rubles. If we consider livestock breeding, then in the first year you can get about 35 young deer, each of which can be sold for the same amount of 50 thousand, that is, the enterprise’s income will be about 1.7 million rubles, and the profit will be 500 thousand. Moreover, a significant part of the costs will be precisely wage employees, without involving outsiders you can get much more. After the first year, it is recommended to increase the number of breeding animals, that is, to purchase a new batch of animals from breeders. Large farms keep about 100 individuals as breeding animals, and this is not too much for deer, because they calmly get along in the territory provided to them. If you sell venison, then you will be able to make money only on meat in about 2 years - it is at this age that the animal is slaughtered. The weight of one deer is on average 100 kilograms, and 80 kilograms of meat can be obtained directly from it, although some breeds yield more. And this doesn't take into account other beneficial by-products; In general, as experts note, waste-free production of reindeer meat has not become widespread in Russia, although antlers, bones, and skins are sold in developed countries. The cost of one kilogram can vary greatly depending on the breed of deer, but on the domestic market it is almost always sold cheaper than abroad - this is all due to the fact that deer meat is not popular and is little consumed by Russians. But in Russia it is realistic to sell one kilogram for the amount of 150 rubles, abroad it is sometimes 2 times more expensive, some types of deer (for example, the same deer) are more expensive, and a kilogram of their meat can be sold for 500 rubles. If you install your own packaging equipment, you can sell delicacies, that is, cuttings of certain parts of the body; a kilogram of such a product is sold for 700-900 rubles. If we take into account 35 individuals, each of which produces 80 kilograms of meat, then the total income from the sale of the batch will be 420 thousand rubles at the lowest price of 150 rubles. At a price of 500 rubles – 1.4 million. As you can imagine, a farm that breeds deer for meat keeps a very large number of them (more than 100) in order to make a profit while maintaining the same level of expenses. Moreover, it should be noted that large farms strive to reduce costs for maintaining animals, because with expenses of 10 thousand per head, the profit is only 2 thousand per animal, which is very little. Of course, 150 rubles is not the best indicator; this is generally practically the minimum possible price on the market. If you cooperate with buyers from Europe, you will be able to earn many times more, and the experience gained in the field of reindeer husbandry will make it possible to increase the number of your animals without hiring new employees. But, although this business can be called promising, it largely depends on external factors, like any agricultural one, for example, on climate, weather, diseases. State support also plays a significant role. In general, when dealing with it, you need to understand that at the moment the market in Russia does not need a huge amount of venison, and it is unknown whether this situation will change in the future.
Matthias Laudanum
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