Whether producers are buying bison calves privately or at auction, the experience should be as stress-free for the calves as possible, a buyer told the Canadian Bison Association annual convention.
Richard Bintner, who works for Nilsson Brothers, told producers that private sales are preferred because there is less stress involved.
“The ability of calves to withstand stress is key.”
He encouraged producers to find a trustworthy supplier as close to them as possible so there is less transportation time required.
“Look for calves that come from cow herds that are healthy,” Bintner said, as well as calves that were born in the April-May period.
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The herd bulls should be fleshy, with good heavy bone.
But nutrition and herd management are more important than genetic background, he said.
Calves should be alert and clean with shiny coats and a positive playful attitude.
They should have been weaned as late as possible because they withstand weaning better when they are more mature.
Bintner said it’s a good idea to have a minimum weight in mind. He suggested 360 pounds if buying in November, 380 lb. in January and 400 lb. in February.
He also encouraged buyers to check out the handling facilities to make sure the calves were handled properly, and to let calves settle in a small holding pen on their home farm before they are moved.
Buying from an auction is different because the calves’ origins aren’t always known.
“Buy by weight, health and current state of well being,” he advised.
His weight guidelines are different at auction than a private sale.
“I never buy anything less than 400 lb.,” he said of bulls.
After February or March, his minimum is 500 lb.
For females, the initial minimum is 380 lb.; they should be 450 lb. in February-March.
“You want to have them hit the ground and start doing something for you,” Bintner said.
It’s a good idea to scout pens before the sale if possible. If that isn’t possible, that could be done by phone by asking a friend to describe the animals and their behaviour.
Animals should be matched as closely as possible. For example, if buying 100 head, they should be within 50 lb. of each other, he said. Otherwise, they should be split into two groups.
Bintner reminded buyers not to buy more animals than they can transport.
“Don’t be a junk collector,” he added. “A 20 percent death loss isn’t good.”
Settling calves into their new environment is important for future performance.
Bintner said they really need stability, peace and quiet. Pens should be ready, along with shelter and clean bedding, so they can move right in.
“They do best in smaller size pens,” he said, not 15-acre lots where they can wander and pile up in corners.
It’s important to remember that these calves are only six to eight months of age.
“They are not really mature enough to be on their own,” he said. “In the wild, they’d still be with the cow herd.”
Bintner said calves should be processed later, even a month after, and not upon arrival. Some medications, such as wormer, can be put in water, minerals or pellets.
To prevent problems with diarrhea and dysentery, calves need fine grass hay at first. Within a month they can eat a restricted amount of legumes and then grain.
“The ones that get treated this way do great,” Bintner said. “The ones that don’t, they do terrible.”
