Livestock producers are increasingly attracted to branching out into bison. Their history on this continent is significant, as wild herds were plentiful and roamed freely until the 19th century. At that time, the popularity of their hides led to the overhunting of bison to the point that they were almost extinct. Currently, bison are popular for their meat. With only 7% fat, the meat is lean and contains all 20 amino acids humans need, making it a complete protein source. The conjugated linoleic acid in bison meat has anti-inflammatory properties. Fewer calories, a healthy proportion of unsaturated to saturated fats and rich protein and micronutrient content makes it a great option in an omnivore diet.

As the popularity of bison increases, the number of bison operations also increases. Yet, the differences between cattle and bison production are significant when building long-term, profitable farms and ranches. In 2000, Daryl Steward learned about those differences when he started raising bison near Northville, South Dakota. Some family land was scheduled to come out of CRP, and he was a full-time mechanic who didn’t have time to devote to cattle. He partnered with a friend who purchased bison cows and fenced the land specifically for bison in exchange for half of the calves. Daryl built his herd by keeping the heifers and purchasing additional cows and heifers as he was able. Today, they run about 65 bison cows on rented pastureland and send their calves and additional calves they purchase to their feedlot, which averages about 400 head. They raise alfalfa and put up prairie hay.

Special needs for specialty operations
Bison pastureland requires tall and robust fencing as the animals’ large size and six-foot jumping ability surpass the containment potential of the typical four-foot-high cattle fence comprised of three-strand barbed wire. The height of bison fencing should be a minimum of 5 to 5.5 feet high with as many as five strands of high-tensile barbed wire or 48 inches of woven wire topped off by 2 or 3 strands of barbed wire. Getting the fence height at or over animal eye level is essential; Daryl says, “They will go over anything they can look over.” Some producers opt for electric fencing, which can be effective with appropriate charge capacity and grounding. At the same time, bison determined  to break free may still escape even the best of fences.

When it is time to work bison, traditional cattle equipment will not suffice; as Daryl says, “Sorting pens are more complex.” Handling facilities should be hardy and constructed with pens, fences, and panels reaching at least seven feet high. The width of the sorting pens and chutes needs to be larger, and specialty squeeze chutes should either be purchased or custom-built for the larger animals. Daryl says they purchased a bison working chute, manufactured their own tub and loading chute, and welded their gates out of 1/8-inch-thick pipe. In addition to the physical specifications of handling facilities, planning construction should also address methods to minimize stress on the bison. Good forward visibility for the animals and blocked visibility of humans are essential in the placement of all chutes, pens, and alleys.

Low stress is best
In addition to the proper planning for and construction of handling facilities, producers must take a different approach to managing bison. Daryl says, “Bison are wild animals that are afraid of humans, and that fear can manifest as aggression when you get too close.” Treating bison like dangerous wildlife can help keep both humans and livestock safe. Some of their undomesticated traits include quick tempers and large flight-zone distances. This means that introducing them to pens and facilities to build up their comfort level can take much more time than it does for cattle. This longer term, low stress management approach can often be the key to safer interactions between humans and the animals.

Their large size might be deceiving, as stress sensitivity is high in bison and can lead to poor performance or even death. At the same time, bison are more resistant to extreme weather.

With a four-chambered stomach, bison are ruminants like cattle. Yet, bison typically grow more slowly than cattle as they have a lower and more variable metabolic rate. The upside is that bison cows generally live longer than their cattle counterparts. Daryl admits that bison cows are good mothers, yet some disadvantages exist. He says, “Tagging a newborn calf is not a good idea; the moms will get you!”

On the feedlot side of the operation, Daryl says that the bison calves are raised very similarly to beef calves until the bulls are almost two years old. At that point, things have changed, and their  wild nature emerges. Daryl explains, “When sorting, you must be very quick as they tend to run everywhere they go.”

Another important factor that bison producers must consider is that there are fewer sale and processing facilities than those available to cattle producers. This adds some complexity and distance to the marketing process. Many sale barns lack the equipment necessary for bison. Daryl’s bison are trucked to the plant in Brush, CO.

Raising livestock presents many challenges, and specialty livestock operations present even more challenges. When asked about working with bison, Daryl says, “You must love the animal, or you won’t do it; it’s a lot of work, and it doesn’t always go the way you plan.” He adds, “The heat, cold, rain, mud, dust, and death loss are issues that all livestock producers go through. Taking one day at a time and trusting that God has gotten us this far over the years help us through these challenges.” Also, focusing on the rewards helps them get through the tough times, as Daryl comments, “Seeing a newborn calf running around his mother within minutes and seeing healthy calves grow to their finish weight is what we strive for. Later, sorting out a load of finished calves to haul to the plant makes the extra effort worthwhile.” Ultimately, the advice Daryl would have for those just beginning their operation is, “Find what you love to do and go for it!”