On the territory of Ukraine there is a one-of-a-kind reindeer farm "Lipcha". Not far from Khust, there is a small village where a farm was organized on the basis of the former Michurin collective farm, where spotted deer are bred. What kind of animals and how they got to Transcarpathia, we will consider in this article.
Description of the animal and its natural habitat
Sika deer are graceful animals native to eastern Russia. Broad-leaved forests spread in this region. Oaks are the most common trees in these areas. In winter, deer feed on acorns, looking for them under the snow layer. During the summer period, their diet consists of all kinds of herbs, as well as the foliage of shrubs and low trees.
Since sika deer live in the Far East, they often go to the sea coast. Here they do not hesitate to eat seaweed, crabs or fish that were thrown ashore during the surf.
Animals have a slender and graceful physique. Females are significantly inferior in size to males, whose body can reach 2 m in length. The weight of an adult individual exceeds 130 kg. Sika deer have branched antlers. The color changes depending on the season. Summer- spotted, in winter - plain.
This is a species of deer that in its natural environment lives exclusively in the Primorsky Territory, where their number is no more than 1000 heads. Animals often become prey to wolves. Such cases most often occur in the spring, when after wintering the body is weakened and the deer is not able to quickly escape from the predator. Fawns are susceptible to attack by bears, tigers, lynxes, foxes and raccoon dogs.
Reindeer farm "Lipcha"
The farm area covers about 57 hectares. This is a fenced part of the forest, which is under protection. This is where the Manchurian spotted deer live. The first individuals were brought here in 1987, but in the early 2000s, these animals were on the verge of death. In 2003, the deer farm "Agromria" received a "new breath". Now there are 140-150 sika deer here.
In summer, animals prefer to go to the forest, eating natural food for them, but in winter they have to be taken care of. To feed a large herd, farmers need to stock up on 15 tons of feed and 10 tons of hay.
Why are deer bred?
The deer farm exists not only on funds received from visitors. Reindeer farming is quite profitable. Every year, farmers cut down antlers (young horns) and hand them over to pharmacists. In the future, they are used to prepare the medicine - "Pantocrine".
This drug is used for the general strengthening of the immune system, withneurosthenia, neurosis, anemia, to normalize digestive and metabolic processes.
Pantas grow in deer very quickly. In a day, they can increase by a couple of centimeters. It will take some months, and they will be ready for cutting again.
Tourist excursions
Sika deer are majestic and graceful animals, so many tourists want to see them in all their splendor. The places where the deer farm is located resemble a piece of paradise hidden among the rich and picturesque nature of Transcarpathia. Here you can see not only graceful deer, but also visit the valley of daffodils to enjoy the most beautiful scenery.
Tourists can visit these places not only in summer. In winter, the doors of the farm are also open to visitors. You can enter the territory from 8 am to 19 pm.
"Lipcha" is located 8 km from Khust, so getting to the village is quite easy. Buses run here from the city center. You can also order a taxi or come with your own vehicle.
The deer farm will be loved by adults and kids alike.
