Raising bison
Bison-commonly referred to as buffalo-are the largest terrestrial animal in North America today. At one time 30 to 70 million bison ranged free in the U.S., but these magnificent creatures were hunted to near extinction in the 19th century. By the 1870s, there were only about 800 remaining.
Fortunately, the species was saved due to the preservation efforts by a few ranchers in the West and has made a remarkable comeback. Today there are close to 400,000 bison in North America:
232,000 raised on ranches in the U.S.
150,000 raised on ranches in Canada
20,000 wild buffalo on public lands
Our bison herd
GBT's bison herds enjoy grazing on 70 acres of rolling hills in north Baltimore County, Maryland. We choose our bison carefully and ensure that they receive only the best, highest quality nourishment by rotating them into new fields every week or so. GBT's bison never receive harmful hormones or additives in their food.
Bison are not domestic animals
Although most bison are now raised on ranches, they are not considered domesticated. They have very keen hearing, and a great sense of smell, which they use to locate food and detect danger. Their wonderful immune system makes them less prone to disease than beef cattle.
With their coarse guard hairs and soft undercoats, bison look shaggy and almost cuddly, but you should never approach or try to pet one. They are dangerous and very large animals:
Bulls stand over six feet tall at their hump, and weigh1,500 to 2,000 lbs. at maturity (5 to 7 years old)
Cows average 1,000 to 1,200 lbs.
Calves weigh 25 to 40 lbs. at birth, but grow to 500 lbs. in their first year.
Both bison cows and bulls have black horns.
Putting on the speed
For all their size and bulk, bison move remarkably quickly:
They can sprint 35 to 40 miles an hour-and can maintain that pace for five miles
They can run for miles and miles without stopping
They can jump five or six feet in the air-from a standstill!
Bison ranching
Because of bison's many health benefits, the demand for its meat is growing. There are now more than 4,000 ranches in the U.S. raising bison. Health and weight-conscious consumers are choosing bison as an alternative to beef, and many restaurants have introduced bison as a heart-healthy offering on their menus.
In 2005, about 35,000 bison were processed for meat in the U.S., a 17 percent increase from the previous year.
For more information on bison
The National Bison Association (NBA) is a non-profit association that promotes the preservation, production, and marketing of bison. Its activities and services inform and educate members and the general public about bison.
The NBA represents more than 2,400 members who raise more than 350,000 head of bison. It has members in all 50 states and 20 countries
