Bison Farming Fact Sheet:

Bison, or buffalo, were once an endangered species in North America, but have now rebounded. Today’s numbers range between 300 000 and 400 000 bison in Canada. In Canada, bison producers raise either Plains Bison or Wood Bison. Bison are raised for their meat, horns and hides.

Bison maintain their wild instincts when domesticated, including their great amount of strength, speed and athleticism.

Handling practices are kept to a minimum with the animals usually only being handled for practices such as calving, weaning, vaccinating, tagging and de worming as needed. This amounts to once or twice a year at most. Special gates and fences, that are tall strong, are needed to keep bison properly. This is important for animal and human safety.

Ontario bison are raised on hay and pasture and sometimes grain. These animals are well adapted to life on the open grasslands. Bison need plenty of good pasture and water.

A mature cow weighs between 1000 and 1200 pounds and gives birth to one calf that weighs between 40 and 50 pounds, once every three years. Calves are usually born between mid April and the end of May with yellow reddish fur. The calves are cared for by the cows (the female bison) for three years and are full grown by age eight. It is very rare for a cow to give birth to twin calves. Calves become reproductively mature by age two. Mature bulls (male bison) weigh between 1500 and 2000 pounds.

Bison farmers care for their animals in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Recommended Code of Practice, which has been developed by farmers, government, animal protection groups, researchers, and processors. Copies may be found at www.livestockwelfare.com.

Did you know…

Cows can reproduce well into their 20s
Adult bison can live approximately 25 to 30 years of age

Useful links:

Canadian Bison Association
Saskatchewan Bison Association
Manitoba Bison Association
Quebec Bison Association
Alberta Bison Association
BC Bison Association
Ontario Bison Association

Bison Dictionary:

Cow: a female bison that has had a calf
Calf: a newborn bison
Bull: a male bison
Herd: a group of bison raised by a bison farmer
Calving: the process that occurs when a cow gives birth to a calf
Weaning: the process of separating a cow from the calf
Vaccinating: the process where the bison farmer needles bison to prevent disease