Please provide the number, age, and class of animals to be sold at auction:
20 – bull calves (last year’s weight avg — 375#)
20 – heifer calves (last year’s weight avg — 350#)
10 – yearling bulls (last year’s weight avg — 670#)
10 – yearling heifers (last year’s weight avg — 600#)
10 – two-year old bred heifers (last year’s weight avg — 800#)
10 – Mature (3-5yo) bred cows (last year’s weight avg — 875#)
***Animals will be worked in mid-December and actual animals will be identified at that time. Buyer will be able to pick up animals sometime around the first of January.***
Please provide the Birthplace and approximate birth date of animals to be listed:
All animals were born in Caprock Canyons State Park, home of the legendary bison herd started by Bison Hall of Fame member Charles Goodnight in 1878. Caprock Canyons is located in the panhandle of Texas. These animals have over time evolved into amazing survivors who are able to thrive in the harsh canyonlands of the Caprock Escarpment. The Goodnight herd has proven
genetics that will not only survive but flourish in any environment.
Please provide the complete feed/nutritional regimen:
The Texas State Bison Herd is treated mostly like wildlife. They must be able to work for their living. The herd sees very little feed throughout the year, only minimal caking for ease of round up. They are trained to come to and follow feed truck.
What is the vaccination history?
Upon request
What is the deworming history?
The herd is given Cydectin in the winter during round up and Safe guard cubes in the summer as needed.
What is the culling and retention protocol for the breeding herd that the animals came from?
Upon request.
What is the size of your breeding herd?
Approximately100 breeding age cows, 300 total animals.
What is the size of your land base?
15,000 acres
How long have you been raising bison? How long at this location?
This herd was started in 1878 right here in these canyons. It is one of the few foundation herds
that is still in existence.
What is the average cow weight?
Mature cows average +/- 850#
What is the average (or usual range) of pregnancy (and/or weaning rate)?
We normally see a 90% – 95% breed up rate with little to no supplementation.
What type of pasture fences are the animals trained to?
The animals definitely respect a fence. They are used to a mixture of high tensile electric, 5-strand barbed wire, and some net fencing.
What land management style is followed? (Rotational grazing, season long-grazing, etc.)
These animals are allowed to range throughout the park with minimal daily management. The park is partitioned into 3 main pastures the largest is about 10,000 acres and the smallest is about 300 acres.
What method are the animals moved? (call, drive, both, horseback, pickups, 4-wheelers, etc.)
The bison herd is easily moved using a feed truck and manipulation of watering sources.
Do you have any information about the genetic lineage of your herd to share?
No negative cattle genes exist within the herd
Is your breeding herd composed of plains, woods, or a mix of both?
Last known true example of the Southern herd of plains bison in existence
Do you have any DNA test results to share?
Upon request – all bison are tested at first working and blood samples are sent to Texas A&M
Please provide weight data that shows how the animals offered for sale compared to their age/sex classmates:
Please provide any additional information that you feel would be helpful: