What is a Bison?
The Canadian Bison is the largest mammal in North America and Canada. It is a breed which lives in the wild forests. It is heavier and bigger than a bull. It has been estimated that around 1700 to 2200 bison live in conservation herd in Canada. Wood bison, a typical breed has survived the hunters and wild life from being extinct and can be found at Wood buffalo national park.
The American Bison is a heavy animal weighing around 370 to 1100 KGs. The largest Bison is weighed around 1740 KGs. They stand tall at a height of 6 feet to the hump. Bison males are larger than the females. The Bison today are termed as endangered animals.
Natural predators of Canadian Bison:
The bison are very strong being a wild animal. It can defeat small animals and domestic cattle species. It can fight any bull any day. But, the powerful animal can be defeated and killed by animals with claws like Wolves, Bears, Lions and Tigers. Still, the Canadian bison can put up a brave fight, except those who are young or very old! In some areas, legal hunting of Bison’s is allowed for its meat and hides.
Bison meat:
Bison meat in Canada is much leaner than beef and is a healthier choice by most of the consumers. The reason being, it is having more than 28% less calories than beef. It is lower in total saturated fat. Due to its lower fat content, bison has finer fat marbling which gives softer and tender meat!
The famous bison products:
The popular bison products are premium cuts of meat as per the industry standards. Also, the tenderloin cut to short rib, strip loin to rib eye etc. The secret lies in offering customers custom specification in meat and minimizing handling and waste. Thus, the value is increased in terms of quality meat. The high standards of customer expectations need to be met.
The taste of Bison meat:
The bison meat tastes a bit sweeter. It is lighter, coarser compared to Buffalo meat. There are many recipes worldwide cooked to perfection using bison meat. It is very lean, flavourful and tastes better than beef and does not leave much of an after taste.
Bison Farming
Bison farming has grown into a profitability business with profound sales of the meat is growing day by day. The statistics provided by USDA states that, the price paid by the marketers is anyway between $4.85 to $4.90 per pound since 2016 and17.
The land required for bison farming is anyway between 5 acres of land to 7 acres to accommodate a few fully grown bison. If one would like to conduct farming on a larger scale, then it could be around 100 to 125 acres.
Raising bison is very easier. They don’t require shelter, especially in Canadian climate. The best way to raise the animal is to understand it fully. Their way of living and the diet requirements. However, the bison industry is very small compared to any other cattle farming or goat farming. The meat is priced higher compared to other animals, for its low fat content and lean quality.
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