Winter Research and FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions and some other research we read about this winter.
How do bison do in the cold? They love it!
Bull bison with snow on his face from grazing in the snow.
They have evolved physical and behavioral strategies that help them thrive in the cold weather. They have a double layered wooly coat. The top layer repels snow and rain and wind while the bottom layer insulates them and keeps their body heat in. Additionally, they instinctively know that moving as a herd towards a storm and through it will get them out of it faster than sitting still or going away from it. I love that! Face challenges head on. What’s that country song? If you’re going through hell, just keep going...
Do we use hormones or antibiotics? No hormones, antibiotics only when absolutely necessary.
We do not use any hormones, or growth promoting antibiotics in our animals. It just doesn't align with our values. It is also federally prohibited to treat bison with growth promoting antibiotics or hormones and it is against the code of ethics in the National Bison Association.
If a bison gets sick, it might get antibiotic treatment if the vet says it is absolutely necessary. Animals treated with antibiotics are not taken to butcher for a year after that treatment to get any residue out of its system.
Do we use mRNA vaccines? NO.
A very rudimentary definition of mRNA is messenger coding to make proteins in the body which stimulate the immune system to create antibodies for the disease being vaccinated against. The most concerning question is, “Could this alter the bison DNA?” Veterinary researchers say, “Maybe.” Are we messing with it? NO! With any vaccine there is potential for harmful side effects.
Currently the only livestock vaccine with mRNA on the market is for swine, but they are working on beef and lamb vaccines. Those beef vaccines will be available to bison producers so we will be on the lookout for that, and we will not be using any of that in our herd.
The only vaccine we routinely use is for the heifer calves against brucellosis. If we want to sell them live across state lines, that vaccine is required. There is no mRNA in that vaccine. We do not use any other vaccines on our animals.
Most of the diseases that could cause a problem for our animals live in the soil. Rather than vaccinate, we focus on soil biological health and plant species diversity. We want to get to the root of the problem.
Check out this site for more info:
Examining the Ramifications of mRNA Vaccines for Livestock — FACT (foodanimalconcernstrust.org)
Grass vs Grain Finish? That is a great question. There is so much that goes in to growing “good” meat.
#1 - We want it to be humanely raised. Let the animals have a really great life and only one bad day.
We also want it to be healthy for us to eat; we want it to taste good; and we want a consistent supply.
For all of these reasons, we grain finish our bison for a short time in the corral. We can offer you a grass finished bison from October through March. Just ask and we will plan it out for you.
Studies done by Kansas State University show that grain finished bison have more of the good fats than even grass finished beef. Grass finished bison rank first in the health category, second is grain finished bison, third is grass finished beef and (not surprisingly) grain finished beef comes in last.
For great flavor and consistency, we do the grain finish. Grass finishing a delicious steak is an art that we would like to master, but not at your expense. If you are eating meat that is tough and gamey, it was not finished properly. The genetics of the animal and the nutritional content of the grasses all play a role. Bison is not cheap to raise or to eat. We want to get you the best meat possible, every time.
And believe it or not, the bison don’t hate the corral. They love range cake, and they enjoy the all you can eat buffet. They get free choice range cake, grain, and grass hay.
Just last week our herd bull broke the gate to get into the corral with the finishing animals. Of course, the finishing animals went out to have a look around the pasture, but the next day all of the finishing animals came back to the corral. I just asked the herd bull and a couple of his pasture friends to leave and I shut the gate behind them. The finishing animals are back to work on the all you can eat buffet.
Here are some pics of a grain finished carcass (left) and a grass finished carcass (right) when we did a side by side comparison:
What are nutritional values in bison meat?
Calories and Macronutrients:
A 4-ounce (113-gram) serving of cooked bison provides approximately:
Calories: 124
Protein: 17 grams
Fat: 6 grams
Saturated fat: 2.5 grams
Essential Nutrients:
Iron: Bison meat contains 13% of the Daily Value (DV) for iron. Iron is crucial for red blood cell formation and oxygen transport.
Selenium: It provides 31% of the DV. Selenium is an antioxidant that supports immune function.
Vitamin B12: A rich source, offering 68% of the DV. Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health and red blood cell production.
Zinc: Bison meat supplies 35% of the DV for zinc, which is important for immune function and wound healing.
Vitamin B6: Provides 19% of the DV. Vitamin B6 plays a role in metabolism and brain health.
Health Benefits:
Excellent Protein Source: Bison is an excellent source of protein, providing around 17 grams per serving. Adequate protein intake supports tissue repair, hormone production, and nutrient transport.
Rich in B Vitamins: Bison meat contains B vitamins (B12, B6, and niacin) involved in energy production, neurochemical synthesis, and red blood cell formation.
High in Iron, Selenium, and Zinc: These minerals play essential roles in overall health. Iron is vital for oxygen transport, selenium acts as an antioxidant, and zinc supports immune function.
In summary, bison offers a favorable nutritional profile, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. Whether you enjoy it as a burger, steak, or stew, bison provides both flavor and health benefits!
1 Source: Microsoft Bing Copilot