![]() The calorie intake of an elk is twice as much in the summer as it is in the winter.The elk's weight at the end of October is directly proportional to its weight at the end of March.If possible, weaned calves should be kept separate and fed extra the first winter.During winter, bulls should be fed a much higher quality diet than that of cows, so that can regenerate after the rut.Bulls should be fed well all year, but especially in the summer.For a cow, calving to post-rut, feed grain, hay, and a high-quality feed rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.For a cow, post-rut to calving, feed a maintenance diet of good quality hay, grain optional.The feeding of cows and bulls is slightly different therefore, it is better to separate them after the rut.Three cow elks' feed intake is the same as that of one beef cow. Elk can consume up to 20% of their diet in browse.The cow will immediately accept the calf and clean it, and the calf will stand to nurse.Although calving problems are rare, farmers can help the cow by pulling the calf, but only after waiting a lengthy period for a natural birth.Ensure through controlled feeding that cows are not fat, as this restricts the size of the birth canal and increases the size of the calf.The cow will start to "walk the fences" prior to calving, looking for a quiet, private place to give birth.The older the cow, the more "pregnant" she will appear.All cows will "bag up" before giving birth.Artificial insemination is common, with a success rate of 50-80%.A cow's gestation is approximately 246 days,+ or - 10 days.Bulls and cows go through a ritual before the actual "high mount" of mating.Bulls compete for dominance through bugling, sparring, and chasing would-be competitors away.A bull will gather a group of females and keep them away from other bulls.For best success, breeding bulls should be three years old or older.The rut, controlled by the day/night cycle, is from late August to late October.Through natural instinct, the cow watches the calf from a short distance, drawing near when it is threatened.They are spotted when born and develop their brown coats in six months.They are born in May or June and spend the first week of their lives in tall grass, usually getting up only to nurse.Most 18-month-old females will cycle if they weigh at least 430 lbs.Mature cows average 550 to 600 pounds, stand 4' to 5' at the shoulder, and are three to four years of age.They dress out at approximately 60% of live weight.When harvested in May or June, 20 to 30 pounds of Grade A velvet should be the yield from a mature bull.Antlers fall off in March and regrow every year.The antlers' number of points is influenced by genetics and feed, as well as by maturity.Top velvet producing bulls have large circumference beams and mass above the third tine. ![]() They are capable of breeding at two years of age.Mature bulls average 800 to 1,100 pounds, stand 5' to 5'6" at the shoulder, and are 7 to 8 years of age.Antler removal is very humane and is accomplished under vet care, with no injury to the animal.Antler removal is for the protection of the animal and owner, as well as for economic benefits.Elk are raised in a setting natural to them, with minimal handling.In raising domesticated elk, we learn valuable lessons that can be applied to the wild population.Elk enhance the habitat, utilizing marginal land and leaving land in forage, in pasture, or as undeveloped land.The antlers are used to make jewelry, pieces of art, and decorative accessories for the home.It is used to make boots, gloves, and other articles of clothing. People enjoy watching elk and will pay to visit them in a natural setting.Many enjoy hunting a trophy animal, a mature bull with a beautiful set of antlers.Plus, it is raised using no growth hormones or chemicals. It fits the needs of the modern consumer because it is lean, low in fat and cholesterol, and delicious.Since North America imports 150 tons of venison annually, elk meat enjoys a ready market.Elk meat has long been considered the premier venison.There is an expanding demand for velvet products in North America.A herd with an even distribution from yearlings to mature bulls will average 15 lbs.Mature bulls (7 to 8-years-old) may produce 30-40 lbs. Generally, bulls increase velvet yields every year until maturity. An average 2-year-old will grow approximately 9 lbs. Selective breeding to enhance the benefits of the stock will always be in demand.Elk are a single offspring species twinning is rare.
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