Southern Plains Bison Pointers Aug 2013

The dog-days of summer are upon us in the southern plains and hopefully we have all our preparations for a strong breeding season in order and working. If you’re catching up, then exhaust solutions to herd management that do not_ require high levels of stress, handling or hauling. If this is not possible, then plan activities at night, dusk or dawn. In July and August, if I have to haul bison, I prefer to do it at night. This decision transcends humane to shrewd-business whereas heat-stress will_ directly effect my bottom line.

Keep an eye on your bison: in the relentless heat of summer in the southern plains, watch for body score changes of the herd and correct them by knowing your dynamics. Those dynamics are: 1) parasite loads 2) Nutritional regime realities 3) Water quality (check it for micro-mineral antagonists) & 4) salt and mineral supplementation. Summer in the southern plains and breeding season are very dynamic! Knowing your facts, specific to your land and your herd, will help.

By: Tim Frasier, Frasier Bison LLC.