The objective is to feed as cheaply as possible with locally grown products but still maintain at least minimum requirements. Some of the components are oats, wheat, barley, corn, ground hay, soya meal, fish meal, canola meal and beet pulp. An analysis of feed in conjunction with a ration formulation will tell you if you re on the right track. This is said to be the fastest way to find if there is a possible deficiency or toxicity problem. Most producers are using alfalfa and red clover mixtures for winter hay as the deer seen to have a preference for this.
Pastures range from native grasses to mixtures of timothy, brome, and alfalfa to forage rape.
Reindeer also love to browse on the leaves of willows, poplar, alders and also almost any small shrubs. Trees in the pasture also give the reindeer something to rub their antlers on, thereby saving fences. Reindeer also love leafy weeds like dandelions. Exotic grasses like orchard grass, chickory, tall fescue, turnip rondo, forage rape and forage kale have been seeded with varying results. During the winter months it is not necessary to supply water for the deer providing there is a sufficient snow cover.