Livestock
The elk farming market is relatively new to the United States. In its early stages, the breeding stock has become of high value. The same standard pertains to the production of elk as cattle: the bigger the better. In 1990 The North American Elk Breeders Association (NAEBA) was formed. NAEBA has set up rules and regulations for breed purity and strength, ownership, and marketing. They help the industry to continually increase in production and quality of animal.
Elk do not need the close care that it takes to raise cattle. This is because of the strong, hardy nature of the animal. They will eat just about anything they can find, ranging from grass, shrubs, weeds, and even tree bark. The most common feeds are alfalfa and grain.
In an area suitable to hold one beef cow, two to three elk may be kept comfortably. Elk may eat 2 to 3 percent of their body weight daily. On average a cow elk, the female, has a live weight of 450 to 650 pounds. The bulls are much larger, weighing from 800 to 1000 pounds. Elk need an increase of nutrients so that they can produce better products. For example, before and during breeding, while the antler is growing so they it will produce a larger amount of velvet, and after calving.
The facilities that hold elk are very different than those of cattle. The fence is made of high tensile wire, which provides strength and durability, which should be at least 8 feet high. The area should provide a large grazing area along with a fresh water supply and shelter. It is recommended that a strand of barbed wire be stretched at ground level to keep predators out and calves in. A strand of electrified wire is another great option, placed slightly above ground level.
Read more about this topic: Elk Farming