Bison, Ratites, Llamas, Alpacas, and Elk Chapter 48

Objectives Describe the origin, history, and general characteristics of bison Describe the characteristics of the bison industry Discuss the management, feeding practices, health maintenance, facilities and equipment, and marketing of bison

Objectives (cont.) Discuss the characteristics and origin of ratites Discuss management practices used when caring for ratites Discuss facilities needed for ratites Discuss maintaining the health of ratites Discuss getting started with ratites

Objectives (cont.) Discuss the marketing of ratites and their products Discuss the history of and getting started in business with llamas and alpacas

Objectives (cont.) Describe the characteristics of llamas and alpacas Discuss the feeding and management of llamas and alpacas Discuss the uses, production, and management of elk

Bison Origin History Member of Bovidae family Believed that bison crossed a land bridge from Asia to North America History Important resource for the Plains Indians Almost slaughtered to extinction in 1800s, before rebounding by 1980s

Bison (cont.) Description and Characteristics Male bison stands 6.5 feet tall Hump over the front shoulders Bull has larger horns than the cow Head is large and the body narrows through the hindquarters Long, dark hair covers head and forequarters

Characteristics of the Bison Industry Very small compared to other livestock enterprises Several types of ownership Absentee ownership Hobby Small producer Medium-sized and large ranches

Management of Bison Select young, healthy, large animals Determine vaccination and worming schedules Bison are very aggressive Use caution when handling Inbreeding should be avoided

Feeding and Nutrition of Bison Nutrient and mineral requirements are similar to that of cattle Average daily gain is 2 to 3 pounds Live off grasslands but need supplement in the winter Fresh, clean water should always be available

Bison Herd Health Preventing health problems is easier than treating them Proper worming and vaccinations Medicines approved for cattle are usually safe for bison as well Affected by the same parasites, poisonous plants that affect cattle and sheep

Facilities and Equipment for Bison Fences at least 6 feet high and strong Pasture gates made of same material as fence Handling fences must be built stronger than pasture fences Squeeze chutes for bison have to be larger than cattle chutes

Marketing Bison Selling Breeding Stock Selling to Feedlot Operators Sold to private individuals or at auction Selling to Feedlot Operators Meat Marketing Two types Traditional market Gourmet market

Marketing Bison (cont.) Marketing By-Products Heads Robes Skulls Leather Wool Bones and horns

Ratites Introduction Interest in U.S. as alternative to other livestock production Group of flightless birds, including ostrich, emu, rhea, cassowary, and kiwi Commercial use in the 1800s in South Africa

Ratites (cont.) Description - Ostrich Largest of the ratites, 7 to 9 feet tall can run 30 to 50 mph Long necks, small heads, large eyes Male has black and white feathers Female has gray feathers

Ratites (cont.) Description - Emu Second largest bird, 5 to 6 feet tall Female is dominant Can run 30 mph Head and neck are grayish blue Feathers black on head, brown on back Plumage is course and hair-like

Ratites (cont.) Description - Rhea Similar to ostrich; 5.5 feet tall, rapid runner Feathers are pale gray to brown Head and neck are completely feathered No tail feathers Long body feathers droop over posterior of the bird

Ratites (cont.) Breeding and Egg Production Ostrich Emu Mate bonded pairs Egg laying begins in March, extends to September Emu Eggs laid in shallow depression on ground Average of 30 eggs laid during each session

Ratites (cont.) Breeding and Egg Production (cont.) Rhea Similar to ostrich breeding practices Females lay eggs in same nest Males sit on nest to incubate the eggs

Ratites (cont.) Incubation and Hatching of Eggs Artificial incubation used in U.S. Chick will break through internal shell membrane 1 to 2 days prior to hatching Hatching usually occurs within 12 hours after first breaking of the egg shell

Ratites (cont.) Brooding Ratite chicks require supplemental heat for several weeks after hatching Brooder area at floor level should be kept about about 90° for 10 days to two weeks Brooding area should be clean, dry, and well ventilated

Ratites (cont.) Sexing Young Birds Feeding Examination of sex organs required Feeding Limited research on nutritional requirements of ratites Commercial rations in mash or pellet form are available from a number of feed companies

Ratites (cont.) Handling and Transporting Mature ratites can be difficult to handle Restraining may be necessary for vaccination or examination May take several people to handle mature bird Transport in ventilated enclosed trailers with nonslip floors

Ratites (cont.) Identification Plastic leg bands placed on chicks as they hatch are recommended Larger leg bands can be adjusted in size as birds get older Microchip identification is widely used in the ratite industry

Ratites (cont.) Facilities Young chicks can be kept in small pens Larger pens required for older birds Provide adequate area for exercise, along with housing and shade Alleys built between pens make it easier to move birds from one area to next Restraint facilities for treating ill birds

Ratites (cont.) Health Establish a relationship with a ratite- knowledgeable veterinarian Follow a good disease prevention program Subject to same illnesses, parasites as poultry High mortality rate at young age; require special care

Ratites (cont.) Getting Started in Business Buying eggs and hatching Sexed chicks Yearling pairs of male and female Two-year-old breeding pairs Before purchasing, research cost of production Check bird health and breeder’s reputation

Ratites (cont.) Products Meat Leather Oil Feathers The meat is low-fat, low-cholesterol, red meat Hides used to make purses, boots, etc.

Ratites (cont.) Products (cont.) Emu oil for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use Feathers and eggshells are used for decorations

Llamas and Alpacas Introduction and History Domesticated in Peru about 4,000 to 5,000 years ago Llamas used as pack animals in S. America First imported into the U.S. in late 1800s, for use in zoos Alpacas were not used as pack animals

Llamas and Alpacas (cont.) Characteristics (Llama) Llama wool is usually white but may be black, beige, brown, red, or roan Llama’s coat can be solid or spotted Long necks, 5.5 to 6 feet tall Live 20 to 25 years

Llamas and Alpacas (cont.) Characteristics (Alpacas) Have 22 distinct natural colors Including: black, white, roan, brown, red, fawn, and gray Two types of alpacas: Huacaya and Suri Defined by type of fleece About 4.5 feet tall at the head

Llamas and Alpacas (cont.) Feeding Modified ruminants - three stomachs Feeding program based on roughages Chew their cud like other ruminants Llamas will eat both forage and browse Alpacas are less likely to eat browse Browse: shoots, twigs, and leaves found on rangeland

Llamas and Alpacas (cont.) Management Herd animals, desire companionship Do not do well in isolation If only one desired, it can be kept with other domesticated animals, such as sheep Several groupings may be used when kept on a breeding farm

Llamas and Alpacas (cont.) Reproduction No estrus cycle, induced ovulators Females bred at 1 year of age Gestation period 11 to 11.5 months Llama males should be about 3 years old for mating Male alpacas used for breeding at about 2 to 3 years of age

Llamas and Alpacas (cont.) Health Few disease problems with llamas and alpacas Wise to have a good working relationship with veterinarian Preventive medicine, nutrition, vaccinations, and parasite control should be followed

Llamas and Alpacas (cont.) Housing and Fencing Little housing required, especially in mild climates Provide shelter in extreme conditions Hay mangers, feed bunks prevent parasites Catch corrals make vaccinations, nail trimming, etc., easier to manage Fences vary with herd size, groupings used

Elk American elk are members of the deer family Primarily raised for their velvet, but also bred for meat, by-products, and breeding stock Mature elk produces 30 to 40 pounds of velvet annually

Elk (cont.) Commercial deer farming is steadily increasing due to demand for deer and elk products, minimal acreage requirements Labor requirement is minimal Elk have high fertility rate, long reproductive life Elk have calm disposition, weather tolerant