Deer

Due to the small quantities of venison available to the average consumer in Switzerland, several Swiss French farmers have created deer farms on their properties. One of these farmers is a resident of L’Etivaz, Mr. Claude Mottier.

Cerfs

Claude Mottier, an avid hunter from L’Etivaz, travelled to New Zealand in order to learn more about deer farming. In 2002, after preparing his farm with high fences and several different enclosed pasture areas, he purchased 15 deer from the Sorens Agricultural School.

Today his farm is a popular place to visit and his venison can be found in local butcher shops and restaurants.

Red Deer

The deer live in herds and are sensitive to any changes.
Their hearing and smell are highly developed but their view is limited. When in danger, the deer will alert the herd with a warning call.

A male deer can weigh up to 200 kilograms and the horns on his head can weigh up to 10 kilograms. The horns fall off every spring and grow back over a period of four months. The female deer can weigh up to 120 kilograms.

Reproduction
The mating period is between the months of September and October. After 34 weeks, a fawn is born and it will drink its’ mother’s milk for a period of eight months.

Food

During the winter months, deer eat very little. Wild deer essentially live on what they have eaten during the summer months but on deer farms, the deer are fed hay. As soon as the snow melts, deer can enjoy eating fresh grass once again.