American Bison (Bison bison) handling is often a stressful time for both the animal and its handlers. There is a some research regarding "in pasture" bison behavior, but little on behavior during handling. The rationale for low stress handling, other than ethical concerns, can be justified on purely economical grounds. Each mature female is currently worth $3000.00; each marketable male is valued around $1500.00. Consequently, each injury or death represents a sizable economic loss. In order to reduce injuries to bison and handlers, the bison must remain calm while being handled. My studies have focused on bison behavior during handling in squeeze chutes, alleys, holding pens, trucks, etc. Zoos, ranches, parks and other organizations that work with bison have had similar problems during handling. These problems range from stampeding to intra-herd aggression to "suicide." What follows are some techniques that can be used to calmly handle these large, skittish animals
Jennifer L. Lanier, Temple Grandin |
Apr 2018 |
Online resource
