CAMROSE, Alta. (Staff) – Despite the growth of the bison industry, there has been little scientific research in the area.
The Peace Country Bison Association commissioned researchers at the Center for Agriculture Diversification at Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek, B.C. to gain information for the industry.
Researchers studied 7,330 bison from 16 herds in the Peace region of Alberta and British Columbia between 1992 and 1994. Here is some information they found:
- The average bison is born May 15 and weaned 245 days later in mid-January when it weighs 184 kilograms.
- An average mature female weighs 447 kg and a male 594 kg.
- Herds that reported health problems had calves with lower winter weight, calf spring weight and yearling winter weight.
- Pregnancy rate in bison herds ranged from 38 percent to 100 percent and averaged 84.9 percent. Herds that used dewormers and vaccinations had significantly higher pregnancy rates (91.1 percent) than herds that weren’t vaccinated (73 percent).
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- The lowest pregnancy and weaning rates (38 percent) were reported in a herd that used two breeding bulls of the same size and the bulls fought continually.
- It was believed there was only a one percent bison calving and calf death rate. The study showed one herd had a six percent death rate. Selection for high weaning weight increases birth weight in cattle and the same is likely for bison.
