Elk Husbandry

North American Elk Breeders Association members are advanced livestock managers who are always concerned about their animals' welfare. In an elk operation, the animals are monitored intensely, with minimal interaction. Our members hold fast to the following internationally recognized code of animal welfare for the elk in their care:

  • Freedom from hunger and thirst
  • Freedom from thermal and physical discomfort
  • Freedom from pain, injury and disease
  • Freedom from undue anxiety
  • Freedom to display most normal patterns of behavior

Elk husbandry addresses issues of animal welfare in balance with normal farm management requirements, with consideration given to: 1) physical and behavioral needs of farmed elk, 2) humane treatment, 3) human safety, 4) ease of animal management, and 5) farm success.

Elk are adapted behaviorally and physiologically to regional environments. Elk have strong annual cycles of reproduction and metabolism that are synchronized by photoperiod (day length). These adaptations allow elk to thrive in all regions of North America and capitalize on the seasonality of vegetation growth. These regional adaptations guide the elk farmer's selection of pastures, facilities and husbandry systems. In general, elk operations are similar to horse and show cattle operations.

To learn more about how to care for elk, check out our Elk Farming Handbook and the Good Management Practices for elk developed by the American Elk Products Board.

Or go to the calendar to find out about attending industry events that are designed to educate our members about good management and husbandry.

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