Multi-tasking reindeer continue chewing the cud even when asleep

Scientists found that the brainwaves of reindeer when ruminating are similar to those occurring during deep sleep

Scientists at the University of Zurich fitted sensors to the heads of four female reindeer and monitored the electrical waves of their brains. Picture: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Rudolph and his team are enjoying a well-earned rest after their Christmas exertions. I use the pronoun ‘his’ reluctantly, however, because Rudolph has a gender identity problem.  Reindeer bulls ‘drop’ their antlers in November and early December, just after the annual rut. They won’t start growing new ones until March or April.

Of the 40 or so species of deer worldwide, reindeer females are the only ones to grow antlers. These help protect their owners from predators. Being smaller and more compact than male ones, female antlers are useful when digging for food under the snow. The antlers won’t be shed until the females, known as ‘cows’, have given birth in spring.