From Calf to Bull: Navigating Bison Parenthood – The Untold Story

Raising bison calves is a captivating journey, combining the thrill of nurturing wildlife with the practicalities of farming. These impressive creatures play a key role in the North American ecosystem and offer high-quality meat that aligns with sustainable practices. Whether you're a seasoned rancher or just starting your journey, mastering the nuances of bison parenthood is essential for raising healthy calves. In this post, we'll discuss common illnesses, treatment options, financial statistics, and the surprising growth rates of bison calves.

Understanding Bison Calves

Bison calves are born in the spring, typically between April and June, weighing around 30 to 70 pounds. They are naturally curious and energetic, often seen leaping and playing near their mothers, which helps form a strong bond. Ranchers must provide careful attention during these early weeks, as this sets the foundation for their long-term health and wellbeing. Well-socialized cows towards humans produce friendly bison babies over all.

Bison babies are born with a plush reddish orange coat and are lovingly referred to as "red dogs" which dates back to native tradition. As they grow, the calves will steadily lose their reddish color and begin growing their darker and more coarsely textured coats.

In their initial days, calves rely on their mother’s milk. However, by the time they are two months old, they should start transitioning to a diet that includes grass and other forage along with their mother's milk. Providing a balanced diet is vital; a lack of nutrients at this stage can lead to developmental issues later. For instance, research shows that calves with proper nutrition in the first month have up to 25% better growth rates compared to those with inadequate diets. Bison calves are often naturally weaned by their mothers at around 6-7 months of age.

Common Illnesses in Bison Calves

Despite their robust nature, bison are not immune to illness, particularly in their infancy. Here are some common ailments that can affect calves:

• Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD): This is a major challenge in young bison, often triggered by stress or environmental shifts. BRD is responsible for up to 30% of calf deaths in some herds. Symptoms include coughing, nasal discharge, and lack of energy.

  
  

• Scours: Characterized by a yellowish diarrhea, scours can lead to serious dehydration. It is essential to monitor calf droppings closely; untreated calves can lose 10% of their body weight in severe cases.

  
  

• Parasites: Internal and external parasites can hinder a calf's growth. An estimated 25% of bison calves may be affected by parasites in their early months. Regular deworming and preventive measures are crucial to reducing this risk.

  
  

Understanding these illnesses is the first step toward establishing a healthy herd.

Treatment Options for Bison Calves

When bison calves become ill, prompt and effective treatment is vital. Ranchers should be knowledgeable about basic first aid and aware of nearby veterinary resources.

• For BRD: Consultation with a veterinarian for appropriate broad-range antibiotics is essential. Alongside medications, supportive care, which includes keeping calves warm and dry, bison calves with BRD can make a considerable difference in recovery.

  
  

• Treatment for Scours: This usually involves rehydration, either through electrolyte solutions or, in more severe cases, intravenous fluids to restore necessary hydration levels. Often times, a dietary change to "less hot feed" with reduced amounts of corn is needed. Oats and alfalfa pellets can be helpful in gut recovery of a bison calf suffering with scours.

  
  

• Parasite Management: Enforcing a routine deworming schedule and maintaining a clean living environment are effective strategies. Research indicates that proper parasite control can improve weight gain by as much as 20% in young bison. Veterinary professionals recommend oral deworming methods in bison due to increased efficacy potential.

  
  

Taking these proactive measures can significantly reduce future medical costs while promoting healthier growth in your calves.

Financial Aspects of Raising Bison Calves

Investing in bison calves can differ widely based on factors like location and resources, but having a solid understanding of potential costs can enhance financial planning.

• Cost of Purchase: A bison calf typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on factors like genetics and health. Premium quality calves can fetch up to $6,000 at auction.

  
  

• Feeding Costs: Bison calves may consume around 2% of their body weight in forage each day. For a 400-pound calf, that translates into about 8 pounds of feed daily. Budgeting for high-quality forage and supplements could add up to $600-$1,200 annually per calf.

  
  

• Healthcare Expenses: It’s wise to allocate around 10% to 15% of your overall budget for routine health checks, vaccinations, and potential emergency care. This equates to approximately $100-$300 annually per calf.

  
  

Understanding these financial factors is crucial when evaluating profit expectations. Generally, bison can be sold for premium meat once they reach a weight of 1,000 to 1,200 pounds, potentially generating substantial returns for ranchers.

Weight Gain Over Time

Tracking the weight gain of bison calves is essential for evaluating their health and growth. A well-nourished calf can gain about 2 to 3 pounds each day during the first few months.

• First 6 Months: By six months of age, bison calves can weigh between 400 and 600 pounds while adapting to their grass-fed diets. Horn growths are minimal with "horn nubs" and small 3-4 inch horns being typical.

  
  

• First Year: By the time they reach their first birthday, calves may weigh between 700 and 900 pounds. Their horn growth will also increase at this time.

  
  

• Adult Weight: Mature bulls can reach weights ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds by the ages of 2 to 3 years. Bison bull horns will angle and point directly upwards at this time while bison cows horns will have a slight curve to them pointed inward towards the bison's forehead.

  
  

Monitoring these weight milestones allows ranchers to identify potential health issues early, ensuring that the animals meet production expectations.

Embracing the Journey of Bison Parenthood

Raising bison calves combines the joys of livestock farming with the responsibilities of animal care. From learning about common illnesses to navigating finances and tracking impressive growth rates, being informed simplifies your journey.

Your dedication as a rancher plays a key role in fostering the development of strong, healthy bulls. Investing time and resources will not only enhance bison populations but also support your farm's success. So gear up, embrace the learning journey, and relish the remarkable experience of bison parenthood!

This article aims to provide insights into raising bison calves, helping you cultivate a successful herd. No matter where you are in your farming journey, connecting with fellow ranchers can enhance this rewarding undertaking!