What it takes to maintain a Bison Herd

FEED: The bison herd consumes an average of 19,000 pounds of range cubes each year. Bison require a lower protein content (12%) than most range cubes that are sold for cattle or horses so we are particular about the type we feed. Cubes come in 50 pound bags and sell for an average of $7.50 each (delivered price). We generally order 50 bags each time so that we can fill our rodent proof feed storage bin.

HAY: We are very particular about the hay that is fed to the bison. We choose pure native grass hay because it is healthy for the animals and it doesn’t encourage the introduction of weed seeds on our native prairies. We use round bales because they are more economical and easier to feed than square bales. Round bales cost $40 (delivered) on average when we order an entire truck load (29 bales).

GENETIC TESTING: We are very proud of our genetically pure bison herd and strive to maintain that status. Whenever a new animal is added to the herd through purchase, donation, or birth we have the animal tested. Continually improving testing technology encourages us to test calves even if their parents have tested pure in the past. Testing is conducted by Texas A&M University and results are added to a national registry of bison genetics. Testing costs $45/animal.

VETERINARY SERVICES: Bison are generally very healthy animals but like any captive animal, they still require basic medical care. Our bison receive an annual check-up each October when they are checked for brucellosis and vaccinated for a variety of diseases. In addition, our veterinarian addresses any other health issues such as this year when a cow somehow had a nail stuck in her hoof. The veterinarian also places microchips in the bison so that they can be permanently identified. On average, veterinary services cost approximately $90.00/animal each year.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE:Bison are big, rugged animals that can be very hard on fences and gates. In fact, our herd sire specializes in destroying gates just for the fun of it! Each year, Nature Center Staff has to mend/replace fences and gates, repair water systems and replace items like hayracks. On average, this general maintenance amounts to $4.60/day for materials alone.

MEMBERSHIPS: The Nature Center is a member of both the National Bison Association (NBA) and the Texas Bison Association (TBA). These organizations promote proper management and wise use of bison in the wild and in captivity. Our membership in these organizations provides the Nature Center with the opportunity to interact with bison managers throughout the country as well as access to new bloodlines and outlets for sale of our surplus animals. Membership cost $100-$250/year

ADDITIONAL FENCING:We plan on expanding our bison range to the available pasturage for the herd but that means more fencing. We need several thousand feet total and each foot costs approximately $10 because we have to use extra tall and strong fence materials.

ADDITIONAL PIPE RAIL:Pipe rail is used to make very strong corrals and runways for holding and moving animals. We recycle used pipe and do the work in house but materials alone still cost approximately $9.00/foot. We need to add several hundred feet of pipe rail to make holding and moving animals safer for them and Nature Center Staff.

ADDITIONAL WATER WELLS:Three of the five current bison pastures do not have permanent water sources. Drilling wells is expensive but well worth the money during our hot, dry summers. We figure that the average well in these areas is going to be about 250 feet deep and cost approximately $32.00/foot including all of the plumbing and electric work needed to make the well operational.

SPONSOR FOR A DAY: Add it all up and maintaining the bison herd costs over $8,500.00 annually. That’s about $24.00/day and doesn’t include labor which is provided by Nature Center Staff and volunteers.