Do ranchers cross-breed bison with cattle?

Nothing is further from the truth. The National Bison Association is dedicated to maintaining the integrity species. In fact, our Code of Ethics specifically prohibits members from deliberately crossbreeding bison with another species. However, the issue of cattle genetics in bison is extremely sensitive and complicated.

The bison in private and public herds today are descendants of the buffalo that were gathered by a few individuals who helped save the species from extinction at the end of the 19th century. Some of those individuals experimented briefly with crossbreeding bison and cattle. The resulting offspring did not display any “hybrid vigor,” so those individuals quickly abandoned the practice. Many bison today still care small traces of cattle genetics from that period in history. While many ranchers today are testing their herds to selectively remove those traces, they are also careful not to eliminate important bison genetics that survived the “bottleneck” of near-extinction in the late 1800’s.

What is the difference between bison and buffalo?

Scientifically, the term "buffalo" is incorrect for the North American species; its proper Latin name is Bison bison. However, common usage has made the term "buffalo" an acceptable synonym for the American bison.

Where did the word "buffalo" come from?

In the seventeenth century, French explorers in North America referred to the new species they encountered as "les boeufs", meaning oxen or beeves. The English, arriving later, changed the pronunciation to "la buff". The name grew distorted as "buffle", "buffler", "buffillo", and, eventually, "buffalo".

How much do bison weigh?

A mature bison bull will weigh approximately 2,000 pounds while a mature bison cow will weigh approximately 1,100 pounds.

How fast can bison run?

Bison can run at speeds up to 40 MPH.

What do bison eat?

Bison will do well in most types of pasture. They eat a wider range of items than cattle and will roam the entire pasture while eating. They winter well on native grasses and prairie hay. They can be supplemented during this time with "range cake" if desired.

What would be the best type of grass to graze bison on?

Bison do well on a wide variety of grasses and most native grassed in the United States and Canada.

How many bison could be grazed per acre?

This depends on local conditions such as growing season and annual rainfall. The National Bison Association recommends calling your local county extension agent, finding out how many beef cattle are recommended, and using that stocking rate to determine the number of bison. Close evaluation of grazing will determine if the stocking rate can be increased.

What is the approximate birth weight of a bison calf?

They normally weigh between 40 to 50 pounds. They are usually up and walking or running with their mothers within a couple hours of being born.

What is the gestation period for a female bison?

The gestation period for the American bison is 9 1/2 months. Under normal conditions, cows have their calves from mid-April through June. Cows generally have one calf per year, but twins may occur very rarely.

How many calves will a bison have in her lifetime?

Female bison breed when they are two years old and have their first calves when they are three. Cows can live to be 20-25 years old having a calf each year under the right conditions.

How long does it take a bison calf to become an adult?

Bison calves are normally weaned when they are around six months old. Females generally weigh around 350 lbs. at this time and males weigh around 425 lbs.

What is the average life span of a bison?

20-25 years.

Are bison gentle or aggressive?

Bison are not domestic animals and should be treated with caution and respect. Each animal has its own distinct personality.

Can you tame bison?

Just as lions and tigers can be tamed by professional animal trainers, bison can also be trained.