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ZL3AI > XMAS 22.12.06 00:07l 52 Lines 1970 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 9350-ZL3AI
Read: GUEST
Subj: Reindeer Facts
Path: DB0FHN<DB0MRW<DK0WUE<GB7FCR<GB7PZT<ZL2BAU
Sent: 061221/2301Z @:ZL2BAU.#79.NZL.OC #:22154 [Waimate] $:9350-ZL3AI
From: ZL3AI@ZL2BAU.#79.NZL.OC
To : XMAS@WW
Reindeer Facts
--------------
Did you know... While both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the
summer each year--according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game--male
reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late
November to mid- December.
Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they give birth in the
spring. Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting
Santa's reindeer, every single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to
be a girl.
We should have known. Only women would be able to drag a fat ol' man in a
red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.
Reindeer Facts Restated
-----------------------
Listen up. Alaska has no native reindeer, as they come from Asia and
Europe. Although Alaska has some reindeer farms, they are privately owned
and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game would have little to do with
them.
Now, let's assume Santa is a competent breeder of reindeer. Breeding season
runs roughly from the middle of September to the middle of January and
often is called simply "rut." Breeding males in rut would not be used to
pull a sleigh at Christmas for three reasons needed for breeding season;
not in prime health because of the rigors of chasing females; and not
trustworthy during personality change caused by rut.
Similarly, breeding females would not be used to pull a sleigh because they
need to be in prime health for breeding.
If Santa can't use breeding males or breeding females to pull his sleigh at
Christmas, what's left?
Ah, the true answer, verified by checking with my reindeer farming
neighbors and buddies, is ... steers [geldings]!
Reindeer steers have antlers at Christmas, do not change personality
significantly during rut, and are not needed for breeding.
There you have it. Santa's reindeer are males ... or at least they were.
73, David ZL3AI.
http://www.geocities.com/zl3ai
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