Elk dress out at approximately 60 percent of live weight. Elk are predominantly grazers and are efficient converters of nutrients. They eat most upland grasses and legumes. In general, two to three elk can be fed on the pasture necessary for one beef cow. While elk are very hardy animals and less susceptible to pneumonia than cattle, but like cattle they are susceptible to tuberculosis and Brucellosis.
Most state have stringent testing requirements.
In Colorado the Colorado Department of Agriculture licenses all facilities and regulates the movement of animals. All animals must be tested for tuberculosis prior to being moved throughout Colorado. All animals entering the state must have tested negative for tuberculosis and Brucellosis. Animals coming into Colorado must also pass a blood test proving that they are pure elk. Animals that contain red deer genetics are not allowed to enter the state due to the possibility of escape and cross-breeding with the wild population.