Elk are ruminants, like cattle and sheep, and therefore can make use of fibrous feeds because of the microbes that aid digestion in their rumen. However, ruminants vary in their selection and use of fibrous feeds. Fallow and whitetail deer are very selective eaters, choosing to consume only the most succulent and digestible plants and plant parts. Red deer and elk will eat and digest feeds higher in fiber content, but will leave plant parts that bison, sheep and cattle will readily consume.

All deer are highly seasonal in their eating habits. Voluntary intake decreases by as much as 40 – 60% during the winter, as compared to spring and summer peaks. This is a considerable advantage in temperate climates, where low-cost pasture growth peaks at the same time as the feed intake of farmed deer and elk.

Feed nutrient requirements can be classified in a short list of “major” requirements and a longer list of “minor” ones. Major nutrients include water, crude protein, energy, calcium, phosphorus, salt and fiber.

Minor, but essential, nutrients include magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sulphur (S), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), iodine (I), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), fluorine (Fl), nickel (Ni), vanadium (Vi), tin (Sn), arsenic (As), vitamins A, D and E, and essential fatty acids.

Crude protein (CP) 
Protein is needed for maintenance, muscle and bone growth, and tissue repair. Elk that are rapidly growing or lactating and bulls recovering from the rut have higher protein needs. To some extent, greater protein requirements can be met by increased intake. However, the percentage of protein in diets designed for these animals is usually increased as well.

Maintenance rations should be at 10 – 12% crude protein, whereas rations for lactation or antler growth should provide 14 – 18% crude protein. Growing rations should contain 16 – 20% crude protein.

If a single diet is fed to all gender and age groups, a 16 – 17% crude protein level is optimal. Total dietary protein content must be determined to follow these general guidelines.

Like other ruminants, elk and deer can make use of non-protein nitrogen sources to satisfy part of their protein requirements. Rumen microbes transform non-protein nitrogen into microbial protein. The microbial protein in turn, as it passes out of the rumen with the digesta, becomes a protein sourced available for digestion in the lower gastro-intestinal tract.

Urea may be used to replace a portion of true protein nitrogen in an elk ration with no adverse results. In practice, total amounts of urea or ammonia (non-protein nitrogen) that could be used in a ration depends upon the roughage source.

Feeds naturally high in protein include legumes (alfalfa, clover, trefoil) and vegetable protein supplements such as roasted soybeans, soybean meal, canola meal and linseed meal. The crude protein content of a commercial feed will be displayed on the feed tag as will the proportion of non-protein nitrogen (%ECP/NPS: estimated crude protein from non-protein sources). In general, feeds containing non-protein nitrogen are less expensively priced.

Energy 
Energy is derived from the digestion of several compounds, including carbohydrates and fat. Excess dietary protein can also be used as an energy source, but it is a costly practice.

Next to water, energy is the most essential nutrient, required in the largest quantity in the diet. Energy is required for all bodily functions including maintenance, growth, and activity. Lack of energy will seriously compromise health, production and reproduction.

Energy requirements of elk are commonly expressed as metabolizable energy (ME). ME quantifies the amount of energy available to the tissues after subtracting energy losses in digest and metabolic conversions. Total energy requirements are estimated by totaling the appropriate requirements for maintenance, gain, gestation, lactation or velvet production. Metabolizable energy units may expressed in kilocalories (kcal), kilojoules (kJ) (1 kcal = 4.186 kJ or mega joules (MJ). We refer to 1 MJ or ME as a “feed unit.” For example, energy requirements for a 260 kg elk female during lactation are estimated to be 80 feed units per day.

Elk will voluntarily adjust their intake to meet their energy requirements to the extent that maximal guts fill capacity permits. In a study conducted with whitetail deer fawns at Pennsylvania State University, minimal feed energy content required was 9.2 feed units; feeds of poorer quality than this should not be fed as a maintenance diet. This corresponds to an overly mature grass hay or good quality oat straw.

Energy requirements of all deer species follow a seasonal pattern. In winter, deer decrease their basal metabolic rate by 40 – 60%, thereby significantly reducing their energy requirements for maintenance. Pastured or free ranging deer increase their maintenance energy requirements by 60% in comparison to penned animals due to their increased activity.

As ruminants, elk can meet much of their energy requirements from the digestion of fibrous feeds such as hay, haulage and pasture. Smaller species, such as fallow deer, have less rumen and fiber digesting capacity than do larger deer such as red deer and elk. Fallow and whitetail deer require more concentrate (grains and supplements) and less fiber in their rations in comparison to elk and red deer.

Energy fed in excess of maintenance and production requirements will be stored as body fat. Fat deposition in deer is remarkably sensitive to photoperiod. In a Michigan study with whitetail fawns, well-fed fawns essentially stopped growing by mid-November. In contrast, fawns fed a restricted diet lost weight during the autumn. Regardless of dietary treatment, all fawns deposited fat, starting in early autumn and peaking by mid-December. However, fat reserves in the well-fed fawns were two times larger than in nutritionally deprived fawns.

Concentration of dietary energy is the strongest determinant of bodyweight gain. Cows/does must not be overfed during winter, or calving problems will increase. Rations should be designed for maintenance only. Calves should at least maintain their weight over winter.

Rations for immature elk calves can be designed to ensure winter weight gains but need to be assessed from an overall economic status. Weaned elk fed a marginal diet during their first autumn and winter will demonstrate compensatory gain on pasture the following summer. However, despite the compensatory gain on summer pasture, elk fed a marginal diet during their first winter can never catch up in body weight to elk fed a well-balanced diet throughout their growth period.

Bulls/bucks need to enter the rut in good condition since body weight losses as high as 30% are typical. Failure to build up adequate energy reserves before rutting season can compromise reproductive performance. Body weight reserves need to be built back up after the rut, after which animals can be fed a maintenance diet until antler growth begins.

Feeds relatively high in energy content include the cereal grains – corn, oats, barley and mixed grain. Corn contains the most energy of any grains. Vegetable meals such as soybean, linseed and canola meal also contain high levels of energy but are also high in protein value. Oil seeds such as soybeans and canola are high in fat and therefore high in energy content.

Elk are very susceptible to rumen acidosis caused by overfeeding of grain. Grain feeding levels need to be changed slowly to allow the rumen microbes to adapt. Similarly, changes in feedstuffs need to be introduced gradually. Elk must be closely monitored during the winter to ensure they are still consuming adequate forage to maintain rumen function.

Calcium, phosphorus and other minerals
The metabolism of calcium and phosphorus is interrelated. These two minerals are considered simultaneously when designing or evaluating a ration. Both minerals are important constituents of bone. Calcium is also essential for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, secretion of some hormones and enzyme activation. Phosphorus is an essential constituent of enzymes involved in fat, carbohydrate and energy metabolism.

The actual amount of calcium and phosphorus required by elk increases greatly during growth, lactation and antler growth. A minimum of 0.7% calcium and 0.4% phosphorus is suggested for elk rations. Of equal importance is ensuring a calcium to phosphorus ratio of at least 1.5 to 1. How wide a ratio is tolerated by elk has not been researched although other ruminant species can tolerate calcium to phosphorus ratios as high as 5:1.

Calcium levels are relatively high in hay, especially legumes, but phosphorus content is quite low. Grains are the opposite, being relatively high in phosphorus and low in calcium. Rations comprised of hay/haylage and natural grains and oilseeds or meals will not provide enough minerals and vitamins. Hay analysis is required to decide which type of mineral/vitamin supplement is most suitable. Access to browse (twigs and leaves) improves natural mineral intake on pastures.

Commercially prepared mineral-vitamin supplements are extremely variable in both nutrient content and price. Follow these general guidelines.

1. Choose either a 2:1 (2 times as much calcium as phosphorus), or 1:1 (equal calcium and phosphorus) depending on forage analysis and grain feeding levels. Avoid low calcium, high phosphorus minerals as they tend to be both unpalatable and expensive.

2. Next check the levels of vitamins A, D, E, and selenium. All of these nutrients are expensive and will add to the cost. Selenium and vitamin E levels should be increased in late winter/early spring; feed vitamin levels decrease during storage and will be quite low by this time. Vitamin E and selenium are also important to prevent nutritional myopathy and to defray the stress imposed by handling. Supplemental vitamin E feeding can decrease during pasturing; fresh grass is a good source of natural vitamins.

3. Check trace element levels for copper, zinc and manganese. Elk, unlike sheep, require supplemental copper. A feed or mineral designed for sheep will not contain any added copper.

4. Check the feed tag for salt levels (if present, will be listed as sodium or Na). Some minerals include salt, others don’t. Additional salt will be necessary if no other source is provided, particularly in spring and summer. Elk will not voluntarily consume much salt in winter.

5. Lastly, decide if you need to purchase a mineral (mineral-vitamin supplement) or a premix (mineral-vitamin supplement containing higher levels of vitamins and trace minerals). If you purchase a commercial concentrate (i.e., prepared ration that already has minerals and vitamins added), a mineral will be sufficient. If, however, you are supplementing with straight grains, a premix is preferable.

Reindeer are members of the genus Rangifer tarandus that also includes the caribou. They are part of the Cervide (deer) family. Some confusion has arisen over the differences between the words reindeer and caribou. The animals are called caribou in North America, and reindeer in Europe and Russia. The exception to this is the group of animals at Tuktoyaktuk that are the descendants of reindeer that arrived in 1935. Reindeer were also introduced to Newfoundland from Norway in 1908, but have lost that name and their descendants are now called caribou.

Between 1891 and 1902, 1280 reindeer were introduced into Alaska from Siberia. In 1908, 300 reindeer were imported into Newfoundland from Norway. Their numbers increased rapidly and by 1912 there were about 1300 of them, but after their Lapp herders returned home the numbers declined through inadequate care, indifference and ignorance of the local people.

The most significant relocation of reindeer in Canada was the five year trek from Alaska to the Mackenzie River delta, where almost 3000 animals arrived in March of 1935. Only 10% were from the herd that originally left Alaska, 90% were born on the trail. The descendants of this herd are currently maintained in and around Tuktoyaktuk. However, there is good evidence to show that they have interbred freely with the caribou of the Bluenose herd, a group with which they share range for part of the year.

European reindeer provide one of the largest supplies of meat anywhere in the world. They are harvested annually in Russia during their migrations, and field abattoirs are used for dressing and inspection. The meat is all consumed locally and does not reach the export market. Domesticated reindeer are also a large industry in Russia. It is estimated that over 40,000 tones is harvested each year. In this situation the animals are managed in a loose herding system and allowed to range very widely. Some cooperatives support over 12,000 head. The Fennoscandian reindeer harvest yields almost 7000 tones of meat annually.

The following is a description of reindeer characteristics and behaviour.

Their common colours or “normal” colours are gray with some brown and a dash of yellow. Tone of the colour varies, with the nose, back and front of the legs being dark; a dark band extending between the under stomach and the side; usually a light ring around the eyes. The neck is usually light, extending across the shoulder and side; stomach and back side of the legs are light. Domestic reindeer tend to be more “salt and pepper.” Other colour variations range from white to “normal coloured” to black or dark brown. Most calves are black to brownish-red, later becoming “normal coloured”. White calves remain white throughout their lives.

On average, adult bulls measure 72 inches long, stand 48 inches at the shoulder and weight from 350 to 450 pounds. Average measurements of adult cows are length at 46 inches, 41 inches at the shoulder and from 250 to 350 pounds. Mature pelts are 4 to 5 cm thick, with white throat fringe which is mostly developed during the fall in larger bulls.

Reindeer shed their winter coats between June and September. Yearlings shed first and the cows with calves and older bulls shed out later. During this period, the long, worn coat of both guard hairs is shed in great patches and replaced by a short, sleek coat of dark guard hairs. In late September, the undercoat starts to grow and a second growth of guard hairs appears. By October, the reindeer are covered by a long, thick coat of buoyant hair. Because of their coat, reindeer are not affected by snow, wind or cold.

A characteristic that distinguishes reindeer from any other member of the cervid family is the fact that both males and females carry antlers. Those of the male are much larger than the female’s, and they are cast at different times of the annual cycle. The growth pattern for males is very similar to that for other deer species from the temperate zones. Velvet antler growth occurs through the summer months, and hard antler is seen from late summer until after the rut, although some males may even cast before the rut is over. Females on the other hand will continue to bear hard antler throughout pregnancy, and usually cast their antlers shortly after giving birth.

One apparent advantage offered by reindeer over other deer species is that velvet antler is available from both sexes. Harvesting criteria does not appear to be as rigid as they are for animals such as wapiti or red deer, but a mark does exist and the use of reindeer antler is well documented in Russia.

Both male and female antlers mature quickly. The period from prime velvet to calcified can be as little as four days. Bull velvet is prime starting in June and cow velvet by July, depending on calving. It is recommended that velvet antler should be removed before it palmates (tip flattens out) to bring the best prices.

As with all animals, nutrition is a very important part in growth, productivity and development. Reindeer are no different. Although their needs are considerably less than the average farm animal, they still have certain needs that have to be met in order for healthy, happy, productive reindeer.

In the wild, caribou and reindeer have available a very wide range of forage. At least 62 species of lichen and 282 kinds of seed plants are known to form part of their diet in North America alone. In captivity, limited information would indicate that reindeer thrive on a standard ruminant diet of good quality hay and supplement with pellets and grain in moderation. They will graze available grasses and are particularly fond of woody boughs such as willow.

Outlined in the following is a basic view of the requirements of reindeer. Each producer has their own formulations of feed and what works for one may not work for another. It seems that this variance comes from the different types of soil and the different climate, even within the same province. If an animal does not have the proper nutrients it needs for development and growth, unwanted health problems can arise.

You can normally feed 6-10 reindeer on what it takes to feed one beef cow. Reindeer will require 2.1% of their body weight in dry matter, rising to 4.7% during growing periods and lactation times. Nutrients in the feed are very important. Poor feeds that are low in nutrients, although they may be cheap, are rarely good for the animals.

Spring Period

Calves are born from mid-April through May (some as late as June). If the weather is cold, freezing rains can create an impenetrable ice layer over vegetation so the deer cannot feed. In spring, after the hardships of winter, reindeer need green vegetation. Reindeer can graze on pasture areas although this is not an ideal situation. They are not immune to hoof diseases such as foot rot. Therefore, it is best to minimalize their exposure to wet environments. Wet ranges are likely to be damaged by trampling more than other ranges.

Summer Period

In the hot summer, reindeer are harassed by warble flies, mosquitoes, black flies and other unpleasant insects which are so bothersome that they cause the deer to move constantly. Consequently, if not moved to or provided with an “insect free” area, the deer will loose weight because they will not stop to eat. TO get away from insects, reindeer will go to the most unprotected areas of pasture where the winds are the highest or to fully shaded areas where the insects are lower. In the wild they will flee to breezy lake shores, ocean beaches and will seek out snow patches to lie down.

Late Summer / Early Fall Period

Insect harassment begins to taper off in late July, allowing the herd to regain the weight they lost over the winter. On average, deer will weight 25-30 pounds more at peak condition than they will by later winter and early spring. Principal forage items during this time include mature and drying shrubs, herbs and mushrooms. Reindeer eat lichens if they are moist and supple.

Late Fall Period

By late fall, dried and cured leaves are the only available forage and reindeer begin to rely heavily on lichens. An optimal fall diet includes a mixture of dried grasses, sedges, herbs, shrub leaves and lichens. However, if there is only light snowfall until winter, forbs remain important and there is not as great a dependence on lichens. Lichens are “survival” food for reindeer and caribou in the winter. It is rich in energy and is often the only food available to them.

Winter Period

Alaska and Northern Canada lichens make up the bulk of the winter diet and without them, reindeer would starve. Where available, reindeer also eat dried grasses, sedges and dormant twigs of dwarf Arctic birch and blueberry.

Most farmed reindeer are fed diets formulated using local foodstuffs to reduce expense. The average crude protein content in a supplement is usually around 14%. Too much protein can cause problems, as can too little. This is based on the type of pasture you have for summer grazing and the type of hay fed in the winter months. In pastures that are in clover/alfalfas, deer will usually do well with a 14% crude protein supplement. Pastures that are in a poorer grass type (not as much protein as an alfalfa/clover mix) may want to up the supplement t0 15%. Their diet incorporates barley, brome grass, beet pulp, oats, soybean meal, molasses, minerals and vitamins.

Pastures of different types and supplements of varying crude protein percent are being used with varying results. Soft juicy vegetation is preferred during the summer. Reindeer nibble, selecting the best when they can pick and choose. Leafy weeds, such as dandelions, seem to be a favourite of reindeer. The more dandelions, chickweed and such you have in your pasture, the more they thrive. They also do well in treed areas where they can browse a lot. They will eat leaves from willows, birch, poplar, maple and saskatoon bushes as well as many more. Reindeer are selective feeders and, if conditions permit, eat only the top portion of plants. Top-cropping plants, grasses, sedges, herbs and shrubs, the mainstays of their summer diet, stimulate annual growth therefore increasing pasture productivity. You may also find that they are eating bark from trees. Bark has tannins in it which are needed by deer. If your feed has enough of the tannins in it, they will usually leave the bark alone. This will help save your trees, at least up until the time when they shed their velvet (nothing can save those trees then!)

During mid-winter to early spring, reindeer will use their body reserves and lose considerable weight if no good pasture is readily available. Bulls that are emaciated after the rut may improve their condition fairly well if the pasture conditions are good.

Reindeer diets may be altered as the availability and costs of foodstuffs change. It must be remembered that any rapid change in diet can lead to digestive problems. The use of a probiotic may be useful to you in diet changing or simply weaning them into a new diet slowly. Probiotics can also be used in times of stress.

Grains are also being used in the supplement part of their diet. The grains are mixed in with the supplement pellets and fed once or twice daily, depending on each producer. Some grains and supplements being used are rolled barley, rolled oats, cracked wheat, cracked peas, rolled corn, soya meal, fish meal, canola meal, beet pulp and bone meal.

When using grain as an additive with the supplement pellets, it should be noted that too much grain is not good for reindeer. Studies in Sweden have showed that reindeer fed too much (or mainly) grains have had very thin rumens. You can puncture the rumen with your finger whereas reindeer that had very little (or no) grain displayed thick rumen that could only be punctured with a knife.

Weights will vary with each producer, but the average cow weight is between 250 and 300 pounds. Bulls will average between 350 and 450 pounds. This is mature weight. Calves can vary from 7 to 12 pounds.

Reindeer are at their peak weights are August. This is just before going into the rut. Bulls can lose up to 25% of their body weight during the rut period, thus needing a good feed to bring them back up after the rut and to prepare for the winter ahead. Mature reindeer can also lose 10-12% of their weight during the winter months. A reindeer’s body is programmed to “slow down” during the winter months, thus wasting as little energy as possible. They will spend their days out digging for food, but hay and supplements are still recommended. The average amount fed is 1-2 pounds per day per head. Hay is usually fed free choice. Water is not needed in the winter as long as there is sufficient snow coverage. Reindeer will walk away from water when there is snow.

Some producers have their feed analyzed for protein and nutrient content. Your local agriculture department can help you with this. They will also give you a good idea of where to start, or change your feed.

Reindeer newly introduced to the farm should have hay or alfalfa made available to them on the ground. They are used to pawing for food and over concentrates in winter can cause the animal to become fat which may result in weak calves or calving problems. Reindeer do not readily eat hay from feeders, such as those used for round or square bales, because they cannot paw the feed. However, they will eat supplements and grains from feeders. They will still try to occasionally paw at the supplement and even in their water tanks. Consequently, water tanks should be routinely cleansed of the dirt and grass from their hooves.

The following factors are important to consider when planning a sound feeding program for white-tailed deer.

1. Good nutrition is required to maximize conception rates and improve fawning percentages. White-tailed deer that do not go into winter in good condition will not survive the winter.

1. White-tailed deer are browsers or selective grazers who prefer high quality forages particularly new plant growth.

1. Breeding stock requires 2.5% of their body weight on a dry matter basis per day in order to maintain their weight.

1. The quality and quantity of available pasture will determine the level of supplemental feeding while on pasture. Supplemental winter feeding is required. Rotational grazing is used to fully utilize available pasture and to reduce parasite levels.

1. Several feed companies are now producing feed specifically designed to differing deer requirements.

1. Hay, grain, vitamins and minerals must provided during the winter to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Supplemental feeding is also necessary during hot weather when pastures are growing slowly and during late summer in preparation for the rut.

1. Clean, fresh water must be available year round.

White-tailed deer are generally resistant to disease. However farming large numbers of animals on a limited acreage requires ongoing parasite control.

Many new elk farmers come to our industry from a background in the beef business. Many more beef farmers are watching our industry grow, and considering the possibility of adding an elk component to their beef farm. For those with an understanding of cattle production, the following discussion will allow you to think about elk farming as a comparison.

Elk and high wire are changing our agricultural landscape. In just over twenty years, the pioneers and forward thinkers have built a thriving industry. As of 1997,in the United States and Canada together, there are now over 1,000 elk farms stocked with over 100,000 head of elk .

So, why raise elk? Is there a place for them on your beef operation? To make that diversification move a success, here are some things one should know. Both beef cattle and elk work well on farms for some of the same reasons:

1. They are ruminants, able to take vegetation which people could not eat and live on and efficiently turn it into good nutritious food;
2. They are social animals with strong herding instincts, traits that make them easy to manage in a farm situation;
3. They are polygamous, meaning that we need only one excellent bull to breed many cows;
4. They fit well in our climate.

The most important difference between cattle and elk is summed up in the word “seasonality”. Elk are still much closer to nature. They have strong seasonal cycles in breeding activity, feed requirements and general management requirements. Elk bulls are only capable of breeding from about August to January, and the cows cycle only during that same period. In order to grow antlers, elk bulls must have very low levels of testosterone in their systems. In January, their testicles begin to shrink, and their entire reproductive systems slow right down. During velvet antler season, the bulls are kittens to handle. During the rut, the breeding season, they can be monsters. This temperament change is entirely related to hormone levels. Cattle, on the other hand, breed all year around, and their temperament is little affected by the seasons.

Feed requirements for cattle vary more with temperature and lactation status than with the actual seasons. Elk, conversely, show strong seasonal swings in feed requirements. Bulls pack on the weight in summer, then show little interest in feed and lose up to 40% of their bodyweight during the rut. They begin eating seriously again in November, then slow down again in late winter. As spring greenup occurs the bulls go back to putting on weight. Elk cows maintain more consistent weights than elk bulls, staying much the same over winter as the weight of bodyfat accumulated in the fall is replaced by the weight of the growing calf. Cows then lose pounds to the heavy demands of producing  rich, concentrated milk all summer and recover those lost pounds on the hard, rich feed of autumn. Elk calves grow very quickly.

An elk cow averaging 550 pounds liveweight will raise a 210 pound calf in 100 days. A beef cow averaging 1100 pounds will wean a 550 pound calf in 200 days. Cattle and elk eat essentially the same feeds. An elk will browse on leaves and twigs more than most cattle, and cattle will use more coarse feed, especially coarse hay or straw. This reflects the need elk have for higher mineral levels, especially copper, which are found in higher concentrations in browse. Cattle can utilize coarser feed largely because of the relative size of a cow’s mouth, teeth and rumen. Basically, good alfalfa/grass pastures are the best choice for both elk and cattle in most of Canada and the northern U.S. Elk have virtually no problems with bloat, due to the fact that their rumen releases gases and foam more often than in cattle, thereby avoiding the buildups that cause bloat. However, elk are more susceptible to grain overload than cattle. Grain overload causes rumen acidosis in elk, which can be fatal or may damage the rumen walls and cause tendonitis and lameness.

Rotational grazing systems work well for both elk and cattle, using either permanent fences or temporary electric subdivisions. In winter, both elk and cattle are fed similar feeds. Elk cows are supplemented with grain and pellets just before and during the breeding season (late August to early November) then fed hay to maintain their weight through to calving in May and June. Stockpiling pasture or swath grazing can work for both, effectively extending the grazing season.

Breeding and calving have many similarities in cattle and elk. Elk cows are exposed to a bull in ratios of five to one for a yearling up to fifty to one for an older, experienced bull. Elk breed for the first time as yearlings, at about 16 months of age, and these yearlings show conception rates of about 85% with good management. Conception rates for adult cows should be slightly higher, at about 95%. Semen collection and artificial insemination is becoming commonplace for elk, although embryo collection and transfer is much less successful than for cattle. A good AI program, utilizing CIDR’s (controlled internal drug release devices which are inserted vaginally to program the cycle) and cervical AI should yield at least 60% conception. A well – designed breeding program for both cattle and elk will have similar goals, such as structural soundness, manageable temperament, and efficient production, with the addition of a significantly different product of elk, their antlers.

Elk calve only in the springtime, just as the food supply booms, and nurse their calves when that feed is least expensive. Cattle were probably that way long ago, and our selective breeding has changed them to be able to calve at any time of the year. This is a big advantage for some reasons, but you have to wonder when you’re carrying those calves in out of a blizzard. Calving difficulties are very rare in well – managed elk herds. Selection for larger and larger bulls, and luxury feeding programs can lead to difficulties. An assisted birth of an elk calf generally results in a bottle fed calf, as elk cows are usually very stressed by the procedure.

Herd health management for cattle and elk is somewhat similar with some key differences. Elk are susceptible to most diseases that trouble cattle, but less so. As mentioned before, elk are much closer to nature than cattle. In nature, individuals or bloodlines that tend to succumb to disease are quickly wiped out. Even if the disease does not kill directly, it weakens the animal to the point that predators or exposure does the job. Thus the weak or susceptible genetic makeup is removed from the population. With domesticated livestock, we develop vaccines and antibiotics to fight disease and keep our animals healthy and breeding. This is effective in the short term, but it perpetuates the susceptibility to that disease. Eventually, we might breed that same susceptibility into farmed elk. For now, elk are less prone to most diseases, especially the respiratory complex. Most elk farmers vaccinate for Chlostridial disease. The need for other vaccines, such as for scours, rabies, leptospirosis and others, depends on the farm location and history. Parasite control is a necessity for elk as it is with cattle. The intensity of control required for both depends on stocking density and herd history. Winter ticks are a concern with elk, but are rarely seen on cattle. Other parasite concerns and control strategies are very similar. Good management is the key component of a herd health program for both cattle and elk. Livestock, which is well fed, has access to comfortable resting and shelter areas, and lives without stress will rarely become ill.

The most significant difference in herd health management for cattle and elk is the requirement for whole herd tuberculosis testing of elk. At present this must be done every three years. This is required because so few elk are slaughtered. A large portion of the population of cattle are slaughtered on a regular and continuous basis, allowing inspection of the carcasses for abnormalities or disease, particularly any signs of TB. Most elk are too valuable alive to make slaughter for meat a viable option, making regular testing a necessity. The test site for TB is slightly different – beside the tail for cattle – on a shaved patch on the neck for elk. The farmed elk and cattle herds in all of Canada and most of the United States are currently considered to be free of Tuberculosis, Brucellosis and all other dangerous communicable diseases.

Handling facilities and fencing requirements for elk are more robust and substantial than what is required for cattle on most farms. Elk are comparatively more athletic and excitable. The well constructed steel facilities of a modern auction mart are not a lot different from those required for elk, but most small cattle operations can manage safely with facilities which cost one third to one half of what facilities for a small elk operation would require. Perimeter fences for an elk farm must be eight-foot tall page wire, with handling facility walls at ten feet tall. Handling elk and cattle employs very similar techniques, as long as you consider the elk to be the same as the wildest, longest – legged exotic cattle beast you can remember from the 1980′s, except a lot smarter! They both handle as herd animals, following a leader, and prefer some company at all times. While cattle work well in facilities with solid walls, elk prefer to be able to see all around them. To accommodate this desire, elk facilities are built with horizontal plank walls and spaces between the planks. Good stockmanship is the key. Curves and
corners in the facility, strategic placement of gates and walls, and the right amounts of pressure, posture and patience is what is required. Stressed cattle and stressed elk both need time to settle before handling. The preferred method is to avoid stressing them.

Two things set elk apart from cattle: Suitability and Products. God made elk for our climate and environment. They are not exotic, not imported from anywhere. When it’s thirty below, with a stiff breeze blowing, elk are just as likely to be laying in the snow on an exposed hillside as to be seeking shelter. Their annual cycle is totally in tune with the changing seasons, and one of the most noticeable aspects of that annual cycle is the growth and shedding of the antlers on the bulls.

Antlers are the most unique trait of all members of the deer family. As the most rapidly growing living tissue (other than mushrooms), antlers have an exceptional chemical makeup. Practitioners of traditional Asian medicine, who use different portions of the antler as food supplements, recognized this long ago. Users of these medicines feel that antler helps them with energy, growth and blood circulation, and alleviates symptoms of arthritis and pre-menstrual syndrome. A huge and growing market exists for these products. Such a market makes velvet antler production one of the most profitable agricultural enterprises today. Hard antlers are also a very valuable product, especially for hunters who are thrilled with the opportunity to hunt and harvest a spectacular bull.

Usage

This feed is specifically designed to encourage young stock to eat well and realize full growth and development potential. A mixture of rolled cereals with adequate Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals and Trace Elements included in mesh form, which ensures to maximum uptake.

Usage

This feed is specifically designed as well balance feed with lower Protein Energy ratio for maintaining adult deer to utmost sustenance level.

Basic Deer Feed is a universal wildlife diet designed for antlered animals, antelope and African Hoofstock. The ingredients used to formulate Basic Deer Feed contain nutrients that are consistently bioavailable for metabolic utilization to achieve optimal body condition. Used by many wildlife breeders, hunters and lease owners, this universal diet will provide optimal nutrients to pen raised or free ranging animals and should be provided free choice on a daily basis. If fed correctly, Basic Deer Feed can help improve growth, maturation, and immune function.

1. A complete diet containing all essential nutrients such as protein, energy, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals
2. Complementary protein sources to increase essential and nonessential amino acids for optimum performance
3. Designed to maximize genetic antler production in Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer and Elk
4. Balanced vitamins and  chelated trace mineral complexes
5. Use as a scientific breeder formula or as a free range protein and mineral supplement
6. Vital nutrients to help support the immune system
7. Essential fiber sources to promote a healthy rumen
8. Additional biotin for hoof integrity

Whitetail Deer Feed is the ultimate wildlife diet specifically designed to maximize antler production in Whitetail Deer and Elk during the antler growing season (generally mid February-August). For animals in confinement, Whitetail Deer Feed is suggested to be fed free choice to Whitetail bucks and bull Elk that are 2 years of age and older and is not recommended for does/hinds or fawns/calves.

In addition to maximizing antler growth, Whitetail Deer Feed will also support skeletal bone and muscle development in mature or growing animals. Whitetail Deer Feed is designed to be used as a seasonal (during antler growth) feed and not a year-round diet. The suggested use of this product during a year-round feeding program is to be used as a free choice supplement to deer and elk during the antler growing season, then promptly changed back to Basic deer feed for the remainder of the year. For free ranging animals, Whitetail Deer Feed may be provided free choice to all deer and elk.

1. A complete diet designed for the scientific whitetail breeder or sportsman to maximize genetic antler production during the antler growth period
2. Balanced chelated trace mineral complexes for greater antler length and mass accumulation
3. Increased energy for maximum antler growth and weight gains after the rut
4. Additional biotin for hoof integrity
5. Facilitates skeletal bone and muscle development
6. Not recommended for pen raised does or fawns

Nutrient requirements for protein and energy have consistently shown to be in high demand for both lactating and growing animals. The Fawn and Lactating Doe Feed is a multipurpose ration providing adequate nutrients to both lactating/gestating does and fawns. Increased protein and metabolizable energy values found in the Fawn and Lactating Doe Feed diet supports higher nutrient demands of both lactating does and fawns. Fawn and Lactating Doe Feed mash not only contain safe nutrient levels for both whitetail fawns and does, but also has the versatility to provide the scientific whitetail breeder with the option of feeding does and fawns either separately or together.

1. Increased nutrient concentrations to support maximum body condition in does and superior growth in fawns
2. Additional protein and fat to support greater milk production in lactating does supporting multiple offspring
3. Increase fawn birth weights
4. Extremely palatable for fawns, consumption has been observed at three weeks of age
5. The Chelated trace mineral complexes to support proper growth and immune system development

Free Range Deer Feed is designed exclusively for the free ranging deer to aid antler growth and promote skeletal bone and muscle development. Based on the same Formula 500 nutrition technology shared by other products, each particle contains high quality proteins and essential chelated trace mineral complexes to promote greater gains in antler mass, length and points. Mash should be provided free choice to free ranging deer as a supplement to their natural diet and is not recommended for confined deer.

• High quality protein with superior quality ingredients
• Fortified with vitamins and chelated trace minerals
• Added licorice flavor to attract more deer