The use of natural food base in the European bison enclosure at Sycowice

Abstract

This article presents the experiences and results of the observation that were collected in the period from spring 2013 to spring 2015 in European bison breeding centre at Sycowice. This is the second publication presenting some aspects of the ecology of E. bison living in captivity, but in conditions possibly resembling natural environment. The first publication covered the period from the adaptation of animals in the enclosure in spring 2012 until spring of 2013 and presented general, first experiences regarding their habitat and food preferences (Halicki and Nowoszyńska 2013). In this publication, the annual productivity of biomass within the enclosure at Sycowice was compared with annual nutritive requirements of E. bison living there. According to this analysis, despite a density of one animal per 4.4 hectares of the area of the enclosure, E. bison are able to consume only about 22% of the annual available production of biomass.. Breeding experiences and routine observations of animals’ behaviour over a period of three years allowed for formulation of interesting conclusions regarding their nutritional needs and carrying capacity of the enclosure. According to these data the breeding practices used at Sycowice and the density of E. bison maintained there, allow for the extensive agricultural use of enclosure area without a threat for the welfare of animals.