The Bison Advantage
From Hearty Herds to Long, Healthy Lives, the Bison Advantage is Impressive
If you’re considering raising bison, consider the extraordinary reasons to say, “yes!”
- No artificial shelter (barns, etc.) needed
- Efficient feed utilization
- Long productive life
- Females calve on their own
- Extremely hardy animals, that are disease resistant
- Low fat + high protein meat = Excellent Product with strong consumer demand
- Bison thrive in most American landscapes
Why Bison are Perfect for North America
Bison are naturally hardy. Bison, and the grasses native to the North American ecosystem, evolved in tandem over eons. The American bison is at home in a wide variety of climates across the continent. The biological makeup of the animal equips it to thrive in winter storms and summer heat.
While bison are similar in some ways to cattle, there are significant differences. For example, bison will turn into a snow storm rather than drifting with the wind. There is speculation this is because they instinctively know that walking into the storm will get them out of the weather quicker. Their massive heads serve as a type of snowplow; by swinging their head to and fro, the animal can sweep away deep snow to find forage below. Bison calve more easily than cattle, largely on their own with no human assistance. And, the animals have a distinct social order.
The most important difference between bison and other livestock is that they are not a domesticated animal. They require special consideration when handling. Seasoned producers know that the animals respond best in low-pressure, low stress conditions. These producers have developed special handling systems, corrals, and techniques to assure the safety for the animal and themselves.
Bison Reproduction
Bison live long, productive lives. Some producers have 30-year-old cows delivering healthy calves. Bison cows generally have their first calf at age three. In the wild, cows generally calve every-other year. However, on ranches and farms, a healthy cow can deliver a calf every year.
Calves are born later (April – June) than domestic cattle and rarely require human assistance. Bison have a gestation period of about 280 days and usually produce one 40 to 50 lb. calf. Typically one bull will service 10 to 20 cows.
Life Cycle Of The Bison
What Do Bison Eat?
Why Raise Bison?
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I joined the NBA to primarily educate myself about bison but I quickly learned I now had a ready resource of experienced bison ranchers willing to help an novice rancher achieve my goals.
– Chris Silver, Gold Coast Bison
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