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The Sustainability of Bison Production in North America: A Scoping Review

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  • Simon Tielkes

    (Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany)

  • Brianne A. Altmann

    (Department of Animal Sciences, University of Goettingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany)

Abstract

The American bison ( Bison bison ) is iconic of the Great Plains of North America, yet the genus has had to overcome near extinction in the recent past prior to being re-established for food production. This scoping review summarizes the literature on the Plains Bison as a large ruminant species adequate for modern-day meat production in order to evaluate the species’ appropriateness as a sustainable meat source and to identify knowledge gaps hindering the sustainability evaluation of bison production. To date, we can anecdotally assume that bison husbandry could contribute to sustainability based on its positive contribution to biodiversity, physiological robustness, economically higher price per kg, and nutritive values, despite their decreased growth and performance rates compared to beef cattle. However, targeted and system-based research is required in order to unequivocally assess the sustainability of bison production in North America.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Tielkes & Brianne A. Altmann, 2021. "The Sustainability of Bison Production in North America: A Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:13527-:d:696873
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bodo Steiner & Fei Gao & Jim Unterschultz, 2010. "Alberta Consumers’ Valuation of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Red Meat Attributes: A Choice Experimental Approach," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 58(2), pages 171-189, June.
    2. Pelletier, Nathan & Pirog, Rich & Rasmussen, Rebecca, 2010. "Comparative life cycle environmental impacts of three beef production strategies in the Upper Midwestern United States," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 103(6), pages 380-389, July.
    3. Steven J. Torok & Kim Tatsch & Edward Bradley & John Mittelstaedt & Gary J. May, 1998. "Identification of bison consumer characteristic dimensions and restaurant marketing strategies," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 14(1), pages 33-48.
    4. Jill E. Hobbs & Kim Sanderson & Morteza Haghiri, 2006. "Evaluating Willingness‐to‐Pay for Bison Attributes: An Experimental Auction Approach," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 54(2), pages 269-287, June.
    5. Capper, Judith L. & Hayes, Dermot J., 2012. "The environmental and economic impact of removing growth-enhancing technologies from U.S. beef production," ISU General Staff Papers 201210010700001001, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
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