Bison Biology and Behavior Individual Behavior Recent reintroduction of bison for meat production has brought back herd numbers and has helped diversify livestock operations across the Great Plains. Their populations were rapidly reduced to less than 1,000 remaining animals 20 years later. Prior to 1868, between 30–60 million bison ranged across North America (Figure 1). Once these topics are accounted for, bison can be readily reintroduced to the Great Plains and prairie landscapes they once ranged freely. A landowner should not expect bison to handle like cattle, and bison require a robustness of fencing, equipment and facilities that exceed typical cattle requirements. Getting started in raising a bison herd requires adequate preparation along with the right management approach. Accordingly, private herd sizes have continued to increase over the years as markets and consumer demand grow, making bison ranching financially attractive ( Bison Economics Tool). They are hardy and integrate well into native rangeland restoration and tolerate Texas summers and Canadian winters alike (Figure 1). While bison are not domesticated like cattle, they make for an attractive alternative species for landowners across the Great Plains and surrounding regions. Historic and prehistoric distribution range of North American bison (Bison bison) across Canada, United States, Mexico, Belize and El Salvador over the last ~40,000 years (n = 4,713 observations Martin et al., in prep).īison are a pillar of North American natural history - appearing on flags, official governmental seals and history books across North America, particularly in the United States. Furthermore, bison are not domesticated, and therefore they are more wild, larger and stronger than cattle, and they should be managed as such.Ī few things to consider when starting with or converting to bison ranching: 1) bison largely remain a wild and undomesticated species - treat them as dangerous wildlife, 2) precipitation and drought will affect summer growth and gains - more drought will reduce growth rates and 3) mind your genetics, avoid inbreeding. Bison are a hardy species that tolerate hot climates of southern Texas and cold climates of northern Canada, utilize a wide variety of native forages and forbs that may not be as palatable to cattle and require less handling than cattle. While bison ranching has some similarities with cattle ranching, there are significant differences that must be accounted for to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability. North American bison ( Bison bison) are an attractive, high-value livestock species that is growing in number and popularity across the United States. Martin, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Center of Excellence for Bison Studies and Chase Brooke, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Bison are native to South Dakota and are extremely well adapted to our climate, topography and native forages.
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