IBC2000-9 Research

Bison Research*

*Transcribed text edited from the powerpoint slides and audio-tape of the presentation

Dr. Vern Anderson
Carrington Research Extension Center
North Dakota State University
Box 219
Carrington  ND  USA   58421

The following article was originally presented at the International Bison Conference in Edmonton, Alberta in August 2000.  The conference covered a wide array of bison topics including production, marketing, genetics, history and much more.  This article has been reprinted with the permission of the IBC2000 Chairman.

Research

Introduction

Most of us have a romantic view of bison production, what that entails and how we want to do it.  Bison have evolved in the prairies, without man’s intervention over the eons.  Yet we have created a commercial industry with bison and are in the process of taking them to the next level in production.  It is obvious we have intervened with bison as a species.  This intervention has been affected by our cultural and commercial motives. We have created some situations that are not natural for bison in the effort to grow more meat, more economically and more efficiently.

Why conduct bison research?

To grow more meat, more economically and efficiently requires some biological effort.  Some biological research will improve the health, nutrition and longevity of bison.  It will enable us to increase productivity and profit, to develop bison as a sustainable and healthy meat source, yet preserve them as an intact genetic species.  That will be the primary focus of this presentation.

When to conduct research

Rarely does an industry progress to the level that the bison industry has without substantial understanding of the biology and production scenarios that go along with bison.  It is a tribute to the species. You are producers by choice and you have been forced to become marketers as we switch from a production driven economy to the new market driven economy.  It is also interesting that this industry has developed as far as it has without significant market research (Brick 2000).  It appears that marketing is the ultimate method of sustaining this industry.

Who is doing bison research?

Currently in the US, research is being conducted primarily at Land Grant Universities and other Universities with researchers that have a peculiar interest in bison.  This group does have an interest in bison because our constituents have encouraged us to.  There are a number of producers that are participating in research as well.  This is the group of producers, in the US and Canada, that are methodical in their thought process and are willing to gather data that will contribute to the body of knowledge regarding bison.  In the US, we see little industry activity at this time in bison production research, primarily because the infrastructure for bison is relatively small and the profit potential does not justify huge expenditures for research, such as we have in other major species like beef and dairy.

Bison research is not difficult.  We follow models of research and replicated trials as we would in other livestock.  However, bison have some peculiarities.  It is still a wild animal.  There are problems to overcome related to behaviour and social structure.  So in some cases we may need to conduct research on how to conduct effective research with this animal. 

How do we learn more about bison?

Over the years we have gained substantial experience simply by doing – trial and error. We need to methodically observe and record information in a scientifically valid manner.  On-farm field studies are beginning to yield results because they are hypothesis-based trials comparing A against B.  There is great potential for this on-farm field type of research activity to continue because of potential support with protocol development (research planning) and grant funding from a number of agencies. 

Controlled research in University settings has begun recently.  Nutritional research requires replicated studies that must be conducted in a multi-penned facility with a large number of animals.  Obtaining the funds for the facility, feed, animals and equipment is an exercise in logistics.  Fewer physical resources (i.e. bison on site) are required for disease and meat research. However, the key point is that each of these settings is capable of providing statistically validated results in replicated research trials. 

Bison research motives

Research motives are straightforward.  We want to solve problems that are occurring in the bison industry in a proactive manner.  Observed situations requiring immediate attention include; health, ruminant nutrition, mineral supplementation in the cow herd; human food issues like diabetes and how bison fits into low fat diets; and issues related to market development and business analysis.  We certainly want to maintain bison as its authentic natural species.

Biological research objectives

Basic research answers more fundamental questions.  These are longer-term scenarios because of the difficulty or depth of the project.  However, most producers are more interested in the short-term applied or field research described above because it is more immediately practical. 

What happens to bison research?

All too often, research can be conducted and placed on the shelf for years.  That is not the objective of bison researchers who are anxious to have their data made available for producers to utilize, so they can improve their production methods.  It is an educational challenge to take the information and lessons that we have learned and proven scientifically, and have producers understand the significance of the results and implement them in their operations. 

There are a number of educational programs that researchers want to contribute to.  These programs are 1. producer or manager oriented short-courses and seminars, 2. there is a need to incorporate bison research results into university and college curriculum, as well as 3. primary and secondary education for our children.

Results

Ruminant Nutrition

Ruminant nutrition is relatively researchable in its subject matter.  There is a lot to learn and the idea of precision nutrition is a long way off in the horizon of bison nutrition.  We can make progress by affecting reproduction and weaning rates, growth rate and feed efficiency, and cost of production and several other aspects of commercial bison production.

When we feed a bison we are feeding the microbes that live inside that bison, we are not essentially feeding the animal.  The bacteria and protozoa (Fig. 1) that reside in the rumen are living in a steady state.  They have a high fiber digestion capacity and so we see these microbes at a density up to 5 billion per mil within rumen fluid.  Protozoa represent less than 1% of rumen mass.  Bacterial microbes, which are highly variable in size and function, are the entities that digest the forage that we feed bison.  Their bodies decay after they die and pass through the digestive system into the lower gut and the nutrients they release are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Fig. 1.  Bacterial clusters and protozoa residing on an alfalfa stem within the rumen (250x).

Microbial population research in bison has been conducted and it has been found that bison digest lower quality forages more efficiently than cattle. Varel and Dehority (1988) report that bison have more cellulolytic bacteria and different protozoa populations than cattle when fed high forage, high fibre diets, however, there were little difference when fed high grain diets.  Towne et al. (1988) found little difference in microbial populations on high or low quality forage. Variable results were reported in other trials.

Fig. 2 depicts the fate of nitrogen as it passes through the digestive tract.  Please note that non-protein nitrogen (NPN) is NOT recommended as a feed source for bison as it creates an ammonia overload in the rumen. True protein is either 1. degraded in the rumen to become ammonia, reconverted into the microbial bodies and digested in the small intestine as microbial protein, or 2. escapes the rumen before being absorbed in the small intestine.

Fig. 2.  Schematic of the rumen depicting the fate of Nitrogen (N) as it passes through the rumen.  NOTE: this is a cattle slide and that NPN (non-protein nitrogen) is NOT recommended as a feed source for bison. 

Bison have an enhanced utilization of lower quality forages (Richmond et al. 1977; Hawley et al. 1981), shorter retention times (Schaefer et al. 1978), and by nature recycle nitrogen to a greater extent than cattle (Keith 1981).  This should also mean that they require lower levels of protein and may be negatively affected by higher levels of protein, especially as calves (DeLiberto 1993 a,b).  It is hypothesized that as we raise the crude protein level in bison feed above 12%, that we are creating an overload on blood urea nitrogen levels, which may have some sub-acute toxic effect and limit the performance of those particular animals.  Research that needs attention.

Other bison nutrition work includes: Basic Nutrition of Bison - a compilation of bison nutrition complete with recommendations by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food; Stanton et al. (1995) studied the level of energy required to finish bison bulls, also observing some seasonal effects; USDA Meat Animal Research Centre (Koch et al. 1988, 1995) compared beef with bison and beef-bison hybrids looking at feeding performance, carcass and meat traits; Rutley and Hudson (1999) reported i) seasonal effects and energy budgets for grazing bison, and ii) that supplemental feeding impacts winter energy requirements; and feeding regimes and the impact of mixing and handling on intake and growth has also been reported (Rutley and Church 1995; Church et al. 1999). 

Researchers at the Carrington Centre, Carrington, ND examined energy levels, alternative feeds and seasonal effects.   Feed delivery and processing research has been conducted in conjunction with local producers.  The most recent study (Anderson 2000) examines the effect of maximizing forage and minimizing grain in bison feeding programs.  This research needs to be repeated, as we still do not fully understand which program will yield efficient feeding results while maintaining a healthy animal.

The bison feeding pens at Carrington Centre offer 420-sq. ft. per head.  The open walled pens are set up in a row with neighbours on each side, providing the feeling that they are in a larger group of animals.  Up to this time, we have observed them to be behaving rather naturally. 

The following nutrient research priorities are some views of the industry and some views that I have developed through discussions with other scientists and producers.  I see the nutrient requirements of bison ‘as a piece of Jello™ nailed to the wall’.  We have an idea about where it might be, but we need to be more precise, particularly in the area of mineral supplementation due to the high variation in the mineral content of feeds and forage across the country.  Some areas of the country (East Coast) are practically devoid of selenium compared to other areas that are very high.  This will impact mineral supplementation strategies. 

My views on protein supplementation research priorities have been discussed earlier.  Cow supplementation seems to be common practice with flushing and winter grazing.  I think these are all addressable points, particularly as we look to the starch versus the digestible fibre feed sources.

Producers that are feeding commercially require practical and profitable feeding methods to enhance their operation.  We do not know a lot about forage quality or type.  What is the effectiveness of legumes, warm or cool season grasses to produce gain in bison heifer calves from vegetative or mature states.  We want to look at enhancing fibre digestion.  There are some yeasts and enzymes that are being touted as a positive natural addendum to the diet that will improve the quality of the feed and the performance of the animals that consume them.  In starch versus digestible fibre, I do believe there is room for digestible fibre in bison diets and limiting starch from corn and barley sources.

Meat Research

Marchello (North Dakota State University) is looking at meat research, along with researchers at the University of Massachusetts (Wilson) and the University of Nebraska (Driskell).  Marchello has been researching since the 1980’s and has an abundance of good meats research to set the stage for product development.  He has looked at nutrient content of bison meat by cut comparison with other meats.  He has examined cholesterol levels, fat, protein and mineral content of bison meat, the palatability of ground bison, and cooking characteristics.  More recent studies look at the preference of grass or grain fed bison for the consumer.  The effect of bison meat on human health, using the hamster as a model, is some interesting work being done at the University of Massachusetts.  Results are supportive of bison meat consumption for human health reasons.

In Alberta, Janz et al. (2000) postulated that bison meat quality issues could be better-addressed post slaughter versus on-farm (i.e. feeding related).  In a study funded by the Peace Country Bison Association, they examined 1. Meat Quality, Bacteriology, and Retail Case Life of Bison Longissimus lumborum Following Spray Chilling, 2. Meat Quality of Bison Longissimus thoracis et lumborum Following Very Fast Chilling, and 3. Carcass Characteristics and Grading.  Results are expected in the spring 2001. 

Lanier (2000) reported on the palatability of grain versus grass finished bison with consumers preferring grain-fed over grass-fed, although the verbalized consumer preference is for grass-fed.  Other USDA work, at the Clay Centre in Nebraska, looks at fatty acid profiles in bison meat (Larick) and some of the basic carcass, meat and nutrients (Koch et al. 1988, 1995).

Meat research priorities includes 1. a universal grading system, 2. new markets for more product, 3. new products with added value, and 4. the development of convenience products for the consumer.

Health and disease

The two champions of malignant catarrhal fever are O’Toole and Martini from Wyoming and Colorado, respectively.  They have received substantial funding (US) to study this disease.  In addition to other researchers, Berezowski in Saskatchewan is conducting a field study of malignant catarrhal fever in western Canadian bison herds.  NDSU researchers have reported on incidence of Pasturella and haemophilus somnus (Dyer et al. 1999; Ward et al. 1999 a,b) and base levels of blood metabolites in bison.  A study of the pathology of paratuberculosis (Buergelt et al. 2000) revealed only 41% of studied bison were histologically paratuberculosis free.  Anaplasmosis is currently under investigation by Patterson, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.  Lanier (2000) has been studying cortisol levels in stressed bison.  Knapp in Montana has conducted substantial research in parasite control and did the paper work for approval of Ivomec™.  The first and only case of rabies in bison was observed at North Dakota University recently.  Brucellosis research is currently underway at South Dakota State University and Montana. 

These are some of the research priorities that I see in disease and health - malignant catarrhal fever comes in first, second, and third, followed by respiratory infections, parasite control and drug metabolism. 

The business of bison production

Economic success of producers and marketers is critical to the economic profit and growth of this industry.  I do believe we need to raise bison for profit if we are going to survive even though many of us think it is a lot of fun.

I expect a vast majority of bison producers do not have a business plan - simply a document where they put down there thoughts on how they will raise them, what they will use for costing, what they will use for expenses, and how they will do their marketing.  Each business plan certainly is unique.  We heard discussions in the Bisonomics Session about potential profit (Dyck 2000; Metzger 2000).  We need to examine profit very critically.  The fact is, that each producer needs some method to reduce his costs to improve his profit potential in order to be successful.  Lenders are playing an increasing role and are becoming increasingly concerned with the price of females that we have in the industry today. 

Finally, the business of bison has an effect on the economy - whether it is the Canadian, the US, or in some other pockets where bison are raised in large numbers.  Metzger (2000) has developed budgets for bison, looked at net worth forecasts and conducted sensitivity analyses.  Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food have developed expense models and cash flow projections.  Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Dyck 2000) has also developed cost of production analyses, modeled some different ownership scenarios, and conducted a sensitivity analyses.  Wyoming has conducted a study on the economic value of bison to the US.  Dr. R. Sell at NDSU has determined the impact of bison to the State of North Dakota at close to $100 million, where about 30 bison equals 1 new job.  Hobbs and Sanderson (2000) are developing models with new generation cooperatives that are completely appropriate at this time.

Research priorities in economics would be: 1. to develop a sustainable meat based model - where we look at the meat price that we can sustain over the long-term, back calculate the expenses and profit potential that you need out of that animal in order to make a living raising bison, and then determine the price that we can afford to pay for breeding stock; 2. development of business plans, 3. we need to determine production costs so that information can contribute to the development of the business plans, 4. organization of larger marketing structures so we can market nationally and internationally effectively, and 5. a strategic development plan (see Rutley 2000).

References

Anderson, V. 2000. Feeding bison bulls for meat.  Pages 288-292 in BD Rutley, ed., Bison are back - 2000.  Proceedings of the Second International Bison Conference, Aug 2-4, 2000, Edmonton, AB. 

Brick, H. 2000. Chinese gooseberries or kiwifruit, venison or cervena?  Two case studies of marketing fresh products from New Zealand with implications for the bison industry. Pages 180-195 in B.D. Rutley, ed., Bison are back - 2000. Proceedings of the Second International Bison Conference, Aug 2-4, 2000, Edmonton, AB. 

Buergelt, C.D., A.W. Layton, P.E. Ginn., M. Taylor, J.M. King, P.L. Habecker, E. Mauldin, R. Whitlock, C. Rossitier, and M.T. Collins. 2000.  The pathology of spontaneous paratuberculosis in the North American bison (Bison bison).  Vet Pathol 37:428-438.

Church, J.S., Hudson, R.J., and Rutley, B.D. 1999.  Performance of American bison (Bos bison) in feedlots.  J. Anim. Feed Sci. 8: 513-523.

DeLiberto, T. 1993.  Comparative digestive physiology of American bison and Hereford cattle.  PhD. Thesis. Utah State University. Logan, UT.

Deliberto, T. and Urness, P.J.  1993.  Comparative digestive physiology of American bison and Hereford cattle.  Pages 53-71 in R. Walker, Ed., Proceedings, North American Public Bison Herd Symposium, July 27-29, 1993. Lacrosse, WI.

Dyck, D. 2000. Economics of bison production in Alberta. Pages 119-134 in B.D. Rutley, ed., Bison are back – 2000.  Proceedings of the Second International Bison Conference, Aug 2-4, 2000, Edmonton, AB. 

Dyer, N.W. and A.C.S. Ward. 1998.  Pneumonic pasteurellosis associated with Pasteurella hemolytica serotype A6 in American bison (Bison bison).  J. Vet. Diagn Invest 10:360-362.

Hawley, A.W.L., Peden, D.G. and Stricklin, W.R. 1981.  Bison and Hereford steer digestion of sedge hay.  Can. J. Anim. Sci. 61: 165-174.

Hobbs, J.E. and K. Sanderson. 2000.  Partnerships and profitability in the bison industry. Pages 103-118 in B.D. Rutley, ed., Bison are back - 2000.  Proceedings of the Second International Bison Conference, Aug 2-4, 2000, Edmonton, AB. 

Janz, J. A. M., Aalhus, J. L., Price, M. A. and Schaefer, A. L. 2000. The influence of elevated temperature conditioning on bison (Bison bison bison) meat quality. Meat Sci. In press.

Keith, E.O., Ellis, J.E., Phillips, R.W., Dyer, M.I., and Ward. G.E. 1981.  Some aspects of urea metabolism in North American bison.  Acta.  Theriol. 14: 257-268.

Koch, R.M., Crouse, J.D. and Seideman, S.C. 1988.  Bison, Hereford, and Brahman growth and carcass characteristics.  Beef Research Progress Report.  Roman L. Hrushka, US Meat Animal Research Center. 

Koch, R. M., Jung, H. G., Crouse, J. D., Varel, V. H. and Cundiff, L. V. 1995. Digestive capability, carcass, and meat characteristics of Bison bison, Bos taurus and Bos x Bison. J. Anim. Sci. 73: 1271-1281.

Lanier, J. 2000. Handling bison. Pages 265-268 in B.D. Rutley, ed., Bison are back - 2000.  Proceedings of the Second International Bison Conference, Aug 2-4, 2000, Edmonton, AB. 

Metzer, S.S. 2000.  Bison for fun or profit? Pages 135-140 in B.D. Rutley, ed., Bison are back - 2000. Proceedings of the Second International Bison Conference, Aug 2-4, 2000, Edmonton, AB. 

Richmond, R.J., Hudson, R.J. and Christopherson, R.J. 1977. Comparison of forage intake and digestibility by American bison, yak and cattle. Acta. Theriol. 22: 225-230.

Rutley, B.D. 2000. Research strategies for the north american bison industry.  Pages 339-350 in B.D. Rutley, ed., Bison are back - 2000. Proceedings of the Second International Bison Conference, Aug 2-4, 2000, Edmonton, AB. 

Rutley, B.D. and J.S. Church. 1995.  Feed-weigh station as a method of grain-finishing bison (Bison bison) bulls.  Report to the Peace Country Bison Association. 1995. 41 pp.

Rutley, B. D. and R. J. Hudson. 1999.  Seasonal energetic parameters of free-grazing bison.  Can. J. Anim. Sci. 80:(in press).

Schaefer, A.L, Young, B.A. and Chimwano, A.M. 1978.  Ration digestion and retention times of digesta in domestic cattle (Bos taurus), American bison (Bison bison), and Tibetan yak (Bos grunniens).  Can. J. Zool. 56: 2355-2358.

Stanton, T.L., Schuts, D, McFarlane, W., Seedig, R., and Stewart, D. 1995.  A study of bison finishing rations at four energy of concentrate levels.  Bison World. January -February Edition. 1995.

Towne, G., Nagarja, T.G., Cochran, R.C., Harmon, D.L., Owensby, C.E., and Kaufman, D.W. 1988.  Comparisons of ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial populations in bison and cattle.  Applied and Environmental Microbiology 54:2510-2514.

Varel., V.H. and Dehority, B.A. 1989.  Ruminal cellulolytic bacteria and protozoa from bison, cattle-bison hybrids, and cattle fed three alfalfa-corn diets.  Appl. Environ. Microbiol.  55: 148-153.

Ward, A.C.S., Dyer, N.W. and Fenwick, B.W. 1999a.  Pasteurellaceae isolated from tonsillar samples of commercially-reared American bison (Bison bison).  Can J Vet Res 63:161-165.

Ward, A.C.S, Dyer, N.W. and Corbeil, L.B. 1999b.  Characterization of putative Haemophilus somnus isolates from tonsils of American bison (Bison bison).  Can J Vet Res 63:166-169.