Reindeer Meat Research Articles

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in northern Sweden: a cross-sectional study from 2014

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan that can infect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The infection with T. gondii, is of particular concern due to its potential impact on human and animal health. In Sweden, semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) is an important species both economically and culturally, but susceptibility to Toxoplasma infection and seroprevalence in reindeer herds remain relatively understudied.ResultsA total of 528 reindeer, sampled at two slaughterhouses in Sweden in 2014, were investigated for antibodies to T. gondii. Specific antibodies to T. gondii were found in 5 of 209 (2.3%) tested adult reindeer and in 6 of 308 (1.9%) tested calves, giving an apparent total prevalence of 2.1% (95% confidence interval 1.1–3.8%). None of four putative risk factors studied (sex, age, type of grazing area, county) were statistically associated with T. gondii seroprevalence.ConclusionsSwedish semi-domesticated reindeer are exposed to T. gondii and may harbour infectious tissue cysts. To mitigate the risk of T. gondii infection in consumers, reindeer meat should be frozen or cooked thoroughly before consumption. The global climate change may influence the seroprevalence and possible associated risk factors for T. gondii in reindeer. To be able to manage the risk and get better advice to the consumers there is a need for further investigations covering the whole spectra of herding conditions for reindeer.

Trophic food chain transfer of radiocaesium from reindeer meat to the blowfly Calliphora vicina and the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis

The role of insects in the transfer of radionuclides has received little attention, despite their key role in nutrient cycling within ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the trophic food chain transfer of radiocaesium (137Cs) from reindeer meat to the blowfly Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and further from blowfly pupae to the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Radiocaesium was transferred to blowfly larvae during their feeding stage, with the highest whole-organism to food source concentration ratios (CRwo-fs) being found in actively feeding third instar blowfly larvae, with CRwo-fs in the range of 0.68–0.90. CRwo-fs in blowfly larvae at later developmental stages (i.e., post-feeding stage, prepupal stage, pupal stage, and adult stage) were significantly lower, with CRwo-fs in adult flies in the range of 0.07–0.10. Modelling of the data indicated that >70 % of the radiocaesium present in third instar feeding stage larvae was removed exponentially with excreta prior to pupariation. Furthermore, on average 49 % of the radiocaesium activity concentration assimilated in the metamorphing blowfly pupa was retained in the pupal case after the adult blowfly had emerged. When blowfly pupae were parasitised by parasitoid wasps, a greater proportion of radiocaesium was retained in the parasitised pupal case, with only 2–3 % of the activity concentration in the meat being found in the wasps, providing further evidence to support that radiocaesium is biodiluted in insect food chains. Our results indicate that carcass decomposition driven by insects directly affects the fate of radiocaesium retained in vertebrate carcasses and we discuss these findings in connection to radiocaesium cycling and dispersion in terrestrial ecosystems.

Associations of DNA microsatellite locus and muscle protein amino acids in <i>Rangifer tarandus</i> reindeer

Purpose: study the correlations of STR-markers of DNA and amino acids of reindeer meat protein.Materials and methods: Amino acid analysis was performed according to GOST 34132–2017 «Meat and meat products. Method for determining the amino acid composition of animal protein». When setting up multiplex PCR STR, primers and microsatellite DNA loci used for deer (Cervidae) were taken. The nomenclature of loci corresponds to the world standard.Results. Information is provided on the quantitative content of amino acids in the protein of M. longissimus dorsi, on the size of amplicons, the association of amino acids and STR loci in a sample of Chukchi deer. The coefficient of variability of essential amino acids ranged from 7.9 to 11.8 %, which can provide an acceptable level of selection for this trait. Amino acids are associated with each other mainly statistically significantly, the degree of closeness of the relationship varies from medium to strong. Less closely correlated with other amino acids were methionine and proline. Most indicators of the relationship between microsatellite loci and amino acids turned out to be insignificant in magnitude, statistically unreliable and reverse in direction, which practically indicates the absence of a relationship between the traits. At the same time, a significant correlation of individual STR markers with amino acids was revealed. In particular, the NVHRT30 locus is associated with the essential amino acids VAL, LEU, ILE, THR with a coupling coefficient equal to: r1 = -0.322; r2 = -0.290; r3 = -0.272 and r4 = -0.437, respectively.Conclusion. The data obtained fit into the framework of the well-known thesis about the localization of microsatellites mainly in the non-coding regions of the DNA molecule. However, they can also be located in promoter regions and have linkage with candidate genes of quantitative trait loci. It is necessary to continue research in the chosen direction on other populations of the range in order to accumulate more significant amounts of information.

Veterinary and sanitary examination of domestic reindeer meat in the Arctic zone

Organoleptic, physico-chemical, microbiological reindeer were carried out for the comprehensive study of veterinary and sanitary valuation of domestic reindeer; chemical and toxicological studies of meat from MUP “Primorsky” p. Khara-Ulah of the Bulun district, SPK KRO Turvaurgin v. Kolymsky Nizhnezhny Kolymsky and Anabar districts of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). It has been established that the conditions of detention and the fodder base affect the meat production of reindeer, and the quality of meat is significantly improving. The integrated assessment of reindeer meat shows a higher nutritional value of reindeer meat, which is advantageous in terms of chemical composition, organoleptic and technological parameters.

Pilot project for the transformation of reindeer husbandry in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation

Reindeer husbandry is the main activity of the indigenous peoples of the North, which largely determines the way of life of the local population in the Arctic zone of Russia. For several decades, the industry has been permanently degrading due to technological backwardness. The purpose of the study is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of transferring reindeer husbandry from traditional grazing technologies to fence keeping technology, as well as organizing the slaughter and processing of reindeer products directly in the places where reindeer are kept. The object of the study was a pilot project implemented by a farmer’s cooperative in the “Omolon Tundra” of the Chukotka Autonomous District. The project consists of several closely interconnected components: the transfer of reindeer husbandry to fence keeping, the introduction of slaughter technologies, primary and deep processing of products. Since the components can be implemented all together within a single project or separately from each other, the study was conducted for three options. Option No. 1 (only switching to fence keeping) does not allow the projected investment and operating costs to be recouped within the project’s estimated period and has an overall negative effect. Option No. 2, which involves not only rearing reindeer, but also primary processing of products, ensures that all costs incurred are covered by the end of the calculation period and even generates a positive net effect. The highest efficiency is achieved when implementing option No. 3, which, in addition to the first two, includes deep processing of reindeer meat. Thus, the effect increases as processing deepens and reindeer herders receive higher added value. The results of the pilot project may become the subject of widespread dissemination in the Arctic zone of Russia.

Economic efficiency of production of pate from reindeer by-products

This work is devoted to the analysis and justification of the economic feasibility of producing pate from reindeer by-products (heart and liver) according to the developed recipe. In the Russian market, increasing attention is paid not only to reindeer meat, but also to by-products obtained from the slaughter of the animal. By-products, as a source of animal protein, vitamins and minerals necessary for nutrition and easily digestible by the human body, are used in the manufacturing of a wide range of products. Owing to the involvement of side resources in the manufacturing of meat products, in particular such as the heart and liver of reindeer, there are prerequisites for improving the quality of nutrition of the population of the Far North. When calculating the costs of producing 100 kg of pate, it was determined that the total cost of pate, which included the costs of raw materials, auxiliary materials, electricity, labor, social needs and overhead costs, amounted to 53,948.05 rubles. The analysis of economic calculations showed that the planned level of production profitability of pate from reindeer by-products will be 15%. The profit of production of 600 kg of pate is 8,092.20 rubles, and the profit per unit of finished product is 13.35 rubles, which confirms the feasibility and efficiency of the production of the proposed pate using meat processing by-products. Inclusion of such by-products as heart and liver, as well as deer fat, into the recipe made it possible not only to obtain a product with high nutritional value, but to reduce the cost of raw materials, thereby reducing the cost of production and increasing the level of profitability.

Modeling the Dynamic Behavior of Radiocesium in Grazing Reindeer.

Radiocesium contamination in Norwegian reindeer and the factors influencing contamination levels have been studied for more than 50 years, providing significant amounts of data. Monitoring contamination in reindeer is of utmost importance for reindeer husbandry and herders in Norway and will need to be studied for many years because of the persistent contamination levels due to the 1986 Chernobyl fallout. This paper presents a novel dynamic model that takes advantage of the large data sets that have been collected for reindeer monitoring to estimate 137Cs in reindeer meat at any given time. The model has been validated using detailed 137Cs data from one of the herds most affected by the fallout. The model basis includes detailed 137Cs soil data from aerial surveys, GPS-based knowledge of reindeer migration, and local soil-to-vegetation 137Cs transfer information. The validation exercise shows that the model satisfactorily predicts both short- and long-term changes in 137Cs concentrations in reindeer meat and suggests that the model will be a useful tool in estimating seasonal changes and evaluating possible remedial actions in case of a future fallout event.

Sámi Traditional Knowledge of Reindeer Meat Smoking

Reindeer meat, traditional food and knowledge are vital for the culture, health, and economy of Sámi reindeer herders. Nevertheless, the practices of reindeer meat smoking have barely been part of scientific research or reindeer herding management. We investigated Sámi reindeer herders’ approach to meat smoking in Northern Norway performed in the traditional Sámi tent, the lávvu. The investigation included workshops, interviews, participatory observations, and co-analyze meetings. Our findings reveal a typology of the traditional Sámi smoking practices. Sámi reindeer herders use a variety of wood species and plant parts to control the smoke based on a complex system of traditional knowledge. Yet there is a need for education, industry, and research acknowledging, supporting, and maintaining the Sámi meat-smoking process and associated worldviews, knowledge, and practices to ensure ethical, sustainable, and healthy food production.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metals from meat and offal of reindeer and cow in the Far North of European Russia.

This study aimed to compare the concentrations of heavy metals in reindeer and cow meat and offal originating from the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Northwestern Russia, and to assess the risk to the health of the indigenous population associated with heavy metal intake due to the consumption of reindeer and cow. Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic concentrations were measured in 39 muscle, 15 liver, and 14 kidney samples from reindeer and 33, 18, and 12 corresponding samples from cow in 2014-2016 using atomic absorption spectrometry. Estimated daily intake of investigated heavy metals, hazard quotient, hazard index and cancer risk were calculated. Mean cadmium and mercury concentrations in reindeer liver and kidney exceeded the maximum permissible levels for bovine animals. However, the estimated daily intakes of heavy metals through consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal were lower than tolerable daily intakes. Hazard quotient and hazard index values for heavy metals in reindeer and cow samples were <1. Hazard index values were in descending order: reindeer kidney (0.389)>reindeer muscle (0.382)>cow muscle (0.088)>reindeer liver (0.051)>cow kidney (0.012)>cow liver (0.004). The cancer risk related to the consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal did not exceed acceptable levels. There is no human health risk associated with heavy metal intake due to the consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal originating from the Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

Bridging traditional and scientific knowledge on reindeer meat smoking - a pilot study

ABSTRACT Smoking reindeer meat in a traditional Sámi lávvu (tent) is a knowledgeable and long tradition for food preservation among Sámi reindeer herders. However, due to the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) during smoking, scientists associate smoked meat with human health risks. PAH contamination of smoked food depends on the smoking method, the temperature and the wood species. The smoking temperature and the PAH contaminations of Sámi traditional lávvu-smoked reindeer products yet remain uninvestigated. To remedy this knowledge gap, we developed a unique co-produced lávvu-laboratory pilot study for temperature measurements and PAH analysis of smoked reindeer meat with different Arctic wood species (willow, birch and juniper) and plant parts (logs and twigs). Our study confirms reindeer herders understanding, that birch wood, and especially birch twigs, generate higher smoking temperatures than willow. Except reindeer meat smoked with birch twigs, PAH levels of analysed reindeer meat cuts were lower than EU recommended maximum levels. However, all smoked reindeer fat samples showed much elevated PAH contaminations. Our results demonstrate the importance of co-production including both scientific and traditional knowledge in research for increased understanding of Indigenous peoples’ traditional food smoking and to insure healthy traditional smoked Arctic products.

The Relationships among Microelement Composition of Reindeer Meat (Rangifer tarandus) and Adaptation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis based on PRISMA statements aimed to summarise the data on the chemical composition of reindeer meat depending on the region of the Rangifer tarandus. We searched SCOPUS, PubMed, Embase, CrossRef, Medline, Cochrane library, eLibrary, and CyberLeninka. A total of 3310 records published between January 1980 and December 2021 were screened. We identified 34 relevant studies conducted in Russia, Norway, the USA, Canada, and Finland for the synthesis. Overall, the consumption of reindeer meat reduces arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis due to many polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, arachidonic) and vitamin C, which balances lipid fractions. Venison is an effective means of preventing obesity and adapting to cold due to the content of a complete set of essential trace elements, amino acids, and even L-carnitine. The high content of vitamin C and microelements (iron, zinc, copper) in reindeer meat is likely to increase the body’s antioxidant defence against free radicals and help prevent chronic non-infectious diseases. Thus, venison is an essential component of the adaptation mechanism for the Arctic population.

Morphological and biochemical indicators of reindeer meat and offal

Morphological and biochemical indicators of reindeer meat and offal

Morphological and biochemical indicators of reindeer meat and offal

Morphological and biochemical indicators of reindeer meat and offal

PSXIV-23 Polymorphism of the LCORL gene in the reindeer

Abstract Reindeer are one of the main representatives of the ecosystem of the Arctic zone and the only possible object of economic activity of the indigenous peoples of the polar regions of Russia. Reindeer meat is a valuable source of complete protein in the diet of the Evenks, Nenets, Yakuts and other peoples of the Far North. Four breeds of reindeer have been bred in Russia - Nenets, Evenk, Chukchi and Even. Evenk and Nenets are the most numerous. They live in different climatic zones and differ significantly in phenotypic characteristics (size and body weight). Populations of wild reindeer are also widespread. The problem of increasing the meat productivity of the main breeds of domesticated reindeer can be solved by searching for casual polymorphisms in candidate genes responsible for the growth and development of muscle tissue. Thus, polymorphism of the LCORL gene (mRNA ligand-dependent nuclear receptor of the corepressor type, which is a transcription factor) is associated with body weight and size in many mammals. We sequenced exon 7 of the LCORL gene and found seven SNPs, six of which are nonsynonymous and lead to a change in the amino acid composition of the protein. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of wild and mutant alleles in the three analyzed populations (wild reindeer, Nenets breed, Evenk breed), which indicates the presence of selection pressure on the LСORL gene region, and also indirectly confirms the significance of the polymorphism of this locus for phenotypic variability in height and size of the reindeer. Studies of associations of LCORL gene polymorphisms on live weight and growth in other animal species suggest that some of the found SNPs may be true causal quantitative trait loci (QTL) in domestic reindeer breeds. Project No. 0045-2021-0010.

Concentrations and geographical patterns of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in meat from semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in Norway

The study aimed at investigating the concentrations and geographical patterns of 11 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 15 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in reindeer muscle samples (n = 100) collected from 10 grazing districts in Norway, 2009. Concentrations were examined for patterns related to geographical region as well as age and sex of animals. Concentrations measured for PCBs and OCPs in reindeer meat samples were generally low. Geographical patterns were revealed and districts with previous mining activities, military trenches, or those that were in the vicinity of the Russian border exhibited slightly elevated concentrations compared to other districts. Calves (10 months) exhibited higher concentrations than young (1.5 year) and old animals (>2 years) adjusted for sex, whereas males exhibited higher concentrations than females, adjusted for age. All PCB congeners inter-correlated strongly with each other, whereas oxy-chlordane and heptachlor epoxide were the strongest inter-correlated OCP compounds. Concentrations of PCBs and OCPs in reindeer meat were all considerably lower than the maximum levels set for those contaminants in foodstuffs for safe human consumption by the European Commission. Thus, reindeer meat is not likely to be a substantial contributor to the human body burden of persistent organic pollutants.

Progress or Mistake?

This article focuses on the ideas behind the introduction of reindeer to Iceland, how the Danish authorities played a role and the attitudes that prevailed among Icelanders towards this new species in Icelandic nature. The Danish authorities had reindeer exported from Finnmark in Norway to Iceland in the late eighteenth century. They adapted to the Icelandic environment and grew in numbers, except for the first imported little flock, which seems to have died out soon. The idea of bringing reindeer to Iceland came from a few Icelandic officials, who asked the Danish authorities for support. The reindeer kept themselves in the remote heaths and highlands in the districts where they roamed free from the beginning. Nevertheless, in harsh winters, they fled the highlands and came down to the lowlands to graze. This caused frustration among farmers, who complained to the authorities and demanded permission to hunt reindeer to defend their grazing land and obtain reindeer meat for their households.

Alaskan Identity and Willingness to Pay for Alaskan Reindeer Meat: A Niche Market Study in Interior Alaska

Alaskan Identity and Willingness to Pay for Alaskan Reindeer Meat: A Niche Market Study in Interior Alaska

Sámi Gastronomy: the Role of Traditional Knowledge

Traditional knowledge in food security is important for achieving sustainable food production systems. One example of food security is tenderness and meat quality. This article investigates the lack of Sámi reindeer herders' knowledge of meat tenderness and explores its relation to gastronomy and food sovereignty. Sámi family-produced reindeer meat is regarded as tender, while such meat is rarely available for visiting tourists. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach combines different knowledge of meat tenderness in this article. When slaughtering in cold temperatures, a common slaughtering procedure is performed: dievás njuovvat (slaughtering reindeer outdoors on the ground) and bakkahit (a deliberate action of reindeer herder to leave the rumen inside the reindeer for tenderization). Decrease in intramuscular pH in sirloin, longissimus dorsi, from the baggan reindeer supports Sámi traditional knowledge of highquality meat. In the Sámi language there are a variety of concepts that include knowledge of slaughtering practices and quality of meat. This is the first scientific study of Sámi reindeer herders' traditional knowledge and their specialist language of reindeer meat quality. The Sámi language is a prerequisite for the food sovereignty governed by Sámi reindeer herders' families through generations, regardless of state policies and modernization. Everyday food from Sámi households could offer an important template for future Sámi gastronomy, and lead to stronger food sovereignty and improved food for visiting tourists.

Changing diets and traditional lifestyle of Siberian Arctic Indigenous Peoples and effects on health and well-being.

The diet of Indigenous Peoples of North-Western Siberia is characterized by a significant proportion of traditional foods. Eating local products provides a ready-made set of macro- and microelements necessary for life in the challenging conditions of the Arctic. Currently, high consumption of traditional foods is typical in the season of fishing or reindeer slaughter, while out of season the consumption of easily digestible carbohydrates increases. Due to climate change, seasonal fishing and traditional migration routes are disrupted and, therefore, the consumption of traditional foods is decreasing. During 5 years of expeditions, we performed a cross-sectional screening of 985 Indigenous People from three districts of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. We analyzed the seasonality of acquisition and consumption of local reindeer and fish products and studied the traditional food storage among 90 Indigenous fishermen and hunters, who exploit cryostorage. As diet affects health, we studied the benefits of local food. The duration of the consumption season is decreasing and therefore the amount of consumption of local food is decreasing as well. This has adverse effects on health with increasing hypertension dissemination. The creation of stocks of fish and reindeer meat in villages and their year-round sale to the population is a necessary step for ensuring the food security and health of the inhabitants in the region.

ВЕТЕРИНАРНО-САНИТАРНАЯ ЭКСПЕРТИЗА МЯСА КОСУЛИ И ДИКОГО СЕВЕРНОГО ОЛЕНЯ В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ САХА (ЯКУТИЯ)

The meat of wild animals is of great importance for the economy of the northern regions of Russia and occupies an important place in the diet of the local inhabitants. The hunting sector of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) provides the population with a significant amount of products from wild meat. In the region, it is allowed to use the meat of wild ungulates for food purposes (elk, reindeer, roe deer, red deer, etc.). This article discusses the issue of veterinary and sanitary examination of roe and wild reindeer meat in a comparative aspect. The study considered real organoleptic (properties of muscles in the section, texture, smell, transparency and aroma of broth), physicochemical (concentration of hydrogen ions (pH), presence of peroxidase, reaction with copper sulfate) and microbiological indicators (presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Coliform bacteria, QMAFAnM pathogenic microorganisms, including salmonella) of roe deer and wild deer meat, which were compared with the target indicators given in GOST. The material for the study was roe deer meat – 3 samples (Amginsky, Tattinsky, Churapchinsky districts), and wild reindeer brought from the Anabar national (Dolgan-Evenk) region of the Sakha Republic – 3 samples. As a result of the study, it was found that the studied samples of roe and wild deer meat meet all the requirements of regulatory documents, and that the samples under study are suitable for human consumption. It was concluded that both types of meat (roe and wild reindeer) are environmentally friendly products and may be used as an important additional source of meat for the population of the Sakha Republic.