Samenvatting

The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional composition of spring forage plants consumed by semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) on natural pastures in northern Finland. This study was conducted in order to contribute to the development of standards for the assessment of the current captive reindeer diets. In captivity, the absence of proper nutrition causes numerous health problems in reindeer, due to little being know about their nutritional requirements. Information about natural diets can be derived from field research, quantitative data on forage plant nutrient composition and utilization, which can help towards development of optimal diets for captive animal management.