Reindeer Husbandry in Switzerland—Management, Feeding, and Endoparasite Infections

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In Switzerland, reindeer are exclusively kept in captivity. The aim of the present work was to evaluate and summarize management and feeding practices, and to examine the prevalence of endoparasite infections in Swiss reindeer. A total of 67 animals from eight different farms and zoos were evaluated. On two visits to the farms and zoos, a standardized questionnaire was completed by the breeders and/or animal husbandry managers, the animals were weighed, and fecal samples were collected. All reindeer were fed roughage ad libitum and supplementary feed for reindeer or other browsers, with different compositions in each herd. The prevalence of gastrointestinal strongyles was 68.6%, with reindeer in zoos having a lower prevalence than reindeer from private farms. This study presents an overview on husbandry, feeding, and endoparasite prevalence in captive reindeer in Switzerland and provides basic data for breeders and veterinarians dealing with this deer species. ABSTRACT: The aim of the present work was to provide an overview of management and feeding practices, and the prevalence of endoparasite infections in captive Swiss reindeer. On two visits to eight farms or zoos, a standardized questionnaire was completed. A total of 67 reindeer were weighed, and fecal samples were collected. The primary management concerns voiced by owners/managers were feeding and successful breeding. All reindeer were fed roughage ad libitum and supplementary feed for reindeer or other browsers, with different compositions in each herd. Males over two years of age weighed from 60 kg up to 127.5 kg, whereas females had a body weight from 53.5 kg to 86.5 kg. The prevalence of gastrointestinal strongyles was 68.6% (46/67), with reindeer in zoos having a lower prevalence (36%; 9/25) than reindeer from private farms (88%; 37/42). Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., and Trichuris sp. were detected in lower prevalences (<24%) and were also more frequent in private farms. Intestinal protozoa, as well as fluke and tapeworms, were not detected in any herd. This study provides an overview on husbandry, feeding, and endoparasite prevalence in reindeer in Switzerland and should be of help for breeders and veterinarians dealing with this animal species.