The calorie intake of an elk is twice as much in the summer as it is in the winter. Feed elk very well in the summer to achieve optimum velvet weights and calving percentages. Feed is the most important part of managing your elk herd. Feed the best possible feed. You will getbetter results, and it costs less because of less waste.
Elk pick through poor-quality feed to get the good.
Make sure the ration is well-balanced with an adequate supply of copper and selenium. Elk are hardy livestock with natural immunity to most diseases. Although they can contract normal bovine diseases, they are not prone to do so. Testing requirements and tests have been developed to better identify and eliminate TB in elk. Internal and external parasites are of concern if you tend to over-pasture or keep your elk too closely confined.