Edmonds Farm FAQ's

FAQ's

Q: What is the difference between bison and buffalo?
A: The term “buffalo” is incorrect for the North American species; its proper name is Bison. However, common usage has made the term “buffalo” an acceptable synonym for the American bison.

Q: Where did the word “buffalo” come from?
A: In the seventeenth century, French explorers in North America referred to the new species they encountered as “les boeufs,” meaning oxen or beeves. The English, arriving later, changed the pronunciation to “la buff.” The name grew distorted as “buffle,” “buffler,” “buffillo,” and, eventually, “buffalo.”

Q: How much do bison weigh?
A: A mature bison bull will weigh approximately 2000 lbs. while a mature bison cow will weigh approximately 1100 lbs.

Q: How fast can bison run?
A: Bison can run at speeds up to 30 MPH.

Q: What do bison eat?
A: Bison will do well in most types of pastures. They eat a wider range of items than cattle and will roam the entire pasture while eating. They winter well on native grasses and prairie hay.

Q: What would be the best type of grass to graze bison on?
A: Bison do well on a wide variety of grasses.

Q: How many bison could be grazed per acre?
A: This depends on local conditions such as growing season and annual rainfall. The National Bison Association recommends calling your local county extension agent, finding out how many beef cattle are recommended, and using that stocking rate to determine the number of bison. Close evaluation of grazing will determine if the stocking rate can be increased.

Q: What is the approximate birth weight of a bison calf?
A: They normally weigh between 25 to 35 pounds. They are usually up and walking or running with their mothers within a couple hours of being born.

Q: What is the gestation period for a female bison?
A: The gestation period for the American bison is 9 ½ months. Usually cows have their calves from mid-April through June. Cows generally have one calf per year, but twins may very rarely occur.

Q: How many calves will a bison have in her lifetime?
A: Female bison breed when they are two years old and have their first calves when they are three. Cows can live to be 20-25 years old having a calf each year.

Q: How long does it take a bison calf to become an adult?
A: Bison calves are normally weaned when they are around six months old. Females generally weigh around 350 lbs. at this time and males weigh around 425 lbs.

Q: What is the average life span of a bison?
A: 20-25 years.

Q: Are bison gentle or aggressive?
A: Bison are not domestic animals and should be treated with caution and respect. Each animal has its own distinct personality.

Q: Can you tame bison?
A: Just as lions and tigers can be tamed by professional animal trainers, bison can also be trained. However, bison are NOT domestic animals.

Q: Do all bison have horns?
A: Yes.

Q: Is bison fur soft?
A: Bison have coarse guard hairs and a soft wool undercoat.

Q: Do bison have front teeth?
A: Yes.

Q: What is the nutritional value of bison?
A: Bison meat contains 2.42 grams of fat, 143 calories, and 82 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams of cooked lean meat. Comparatively, beef: 9.28 grams of fat, 211 calories, and 86 milligrams of cholesterol; pork: 9.66 grams of fat, 212 calories, 86 milligrams of cholesterol; chicken (skinless): 7.41 grams of fat, 190 calories, 89 milligrams of cholesterol.

To find out more information about Edmonds Farm or Bison you can write to us here: contactus@edmondsfarm.com