Other species of similar type are farmed in the same way such as deer, moose, and red stag.
[1] The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has strictly regulated elk farming due to concerns about chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease that affects elk and other members in the deer family.
Both Alberta and neighbouring Saskatchewan required all deer and elk farmers to test every animal that dies on their farms for CWD.
NAEBA has set up rules and regulations for breed purity and strength, ownership, and marketing.
Elk do not need the close care that it takes to raise cattle because of their strong, hardy nature.
They will eat just about any plants they can find, ranging from grass, shrubs, weeds, and even tree bark.
The fence is made of high-tensile wire, which provides strength and durability, and should be at least 8 feet high.
Cow elk can begin to breed after 18 months, but bulls should wait to mature for two to three years.
It has become a very common practice amongst elk breeders to use artificial insemination, a method of ensuring male genetic superiority—e.g., a bull with large antlers will pass that trait onto his offspring.
For this purpose the semen is bought and the cow is bred artificially with the hope that the young will receive that genetic trait.
Through artificial insemination and semen preservation, a sire can continue to produce offspring even after he is dead or his health has declined.
Elk meat is famous for its taste as well as its health benefits, as it is high in protein but low in fat, cholesterol, and calories.