Domestic Game Farm Animals - Bison

By

René Aubé (Author), Dany Cinq-Mars (Author), Claude Fournier (Author), Pierre Gauthier (Author), Juan Pablo Soucy (Author), Gaétan Lehoux (Author), Gervais Bisson (Author), Sébastien Cartier (Author), Louise Houle (Author), Lynda Morin (Author)

Ebook

Quebec publishers

This collection of 9 factsheets on bison farming and related subjects is part of the Domestic Game Farm Animals production guide. It explores reproductive management, the principal diseases, feeding and the production equipment used for bison. Business startup, genetic improvement, preventive medicine and the marketing of game products are also discussed.

Table of contents
Domestic Game Farm Animals - Bison	1
Introduction to Game Farming	4
Introduction	5
Nine steps to setting up a game farm	6
For more information	10
Basic Principles of Genetics	11
Introduction	13
Genetics and environmental factors	13
Definition	14
Step-by-step selection process	15
Speed of genetic improvements	18
Artificial insemination	19
Cross breeding	20
Bibliography	20
Reproductive Management of Bison	22
Introduction	24
Reproductive period	25
Main factors affecting conception rate	25
Importance of body condition	27
Physiology of reproduction in female bison	28
Physiology of reproduction in male bison	29
Qualities of a breeding bull	30
PATBQ	34
Conclusion	34
Appendix 1. Evaluating body condition in bison	36
Marketing – Overview	40
Introduction	42
Farmed game meats	42
Breeding stock	44
Velvet antler and hard antler	45
Agritourism	45
Hunting activities	46
Marketing Strategy	46
Survey of legislation applicable to marketing	47
Preventive Medicine – Overview	48
Introduction	50
General rules	50
Wild Boar	50
Cervids and bison	53
Conclusion	56
Bibliography	56
Principal Diseases of Bison	57
Introduction	59
Nutritional diseases	59
Parasitic diseases	60
Bacterial diseases	61
Viral diseases	64
Reportable diseases and immediately notifiable diseases in Canada	65
Prion diseases	65
Conclusion	66
Bibliography	67
Livestock Production Equipment for Bison –Key Concepts	68
Introduction	70
Bison behaviour	70
Pens	71
Feeding	72
Corral	77
Gates and latches	86
Conclusion	87
Bibliography	87
Basic Principles of Feeding and Nutrition	88
Nutrients	90
"Dry matter", "As fed", "Voluntary dry matter intake"	90
Introduction	90
Conclusion	95
Bibliography	95
Feeding and Nutrition – Bison	96
Seasonal physiology	98
Digestive system and feed intake	98
Introduction	98
Nutritional needs and feeding	99
Breeding	101
Meat production	104
Calves	105
Conclusion	105
Bibliography	106