It would also support a belief that calving at 2 permanently stunts the growth of the bison cow. In addition, these animals were not on supplemental feed. Therefore, even under wild conditions, animals that calve at 2 are more productive than later calving cows. While weight gain was found to be significantly higher in spring than in winter, feed intake was directly proportional, resulting in no difference in feed efficiency. Mineral and salt can be provided in the form of blocks or loose.
Water is also of great importance when talking about nutrition.
It is very important that all animals have access to an uncontaminated water source in order for them to do well on feed. Breeding and Reproduction Bison are polyestrous animals, meaning they have more than one estrous cycle per year. This period of sexual activity is then followed by a period of anestrous which occurs during winter and early spring months. Usually, bison will calve at three, but as previously discussed, they may calve at two if they reach a target yearling weight of 650 lbs. It is also important to send your bulls into breeding season in good condition as their intake is significantly decreased during the rut.