An Investigation of the Trace Element Status of Bison in Wood Buffalo National Park and of Ranch-Raised Bison in Saskatchewan,Canada

Abstract

Trace metal levels were compared in ranched bison receiving a dietary supplement and in wild bison in Wood Buffalo National Park. Data collected in this study were also assessed with regard to information previously published on healthy wild bison resident in the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary. Ninety percent of ranched animals contained lead, with mean levels of 0.06 and 0.10 ppm in liver and kidney, respectively, while lead was present in only 20% of samples from wild bison. Similarly, arsenic was more prevalent in ranched animals, though at levels below 0.05 ppm. Cadmium levels were significantly higher in the wild bison and traces of mercury were also more prevalent in the wild herd.

Levels of copper, manganese, selenium and zinc, which are considered essential nutrients, showed variations between the ranched and wild bison, but were within the range considered acceptable for cattle, with the exception of selenium. This was found to be lower in the wild herd.

Further research is required to define the nutritional requirements of healthy bison. Variations observed in this investigation could be attributed to a variety of factors, including age, diet, and health status, which cannot be differentiated based on the available samples.