Assignment 2 - My Background Research about Elk

The elk, or wapiti (Cervus canadensis), is one of the largest species of deer in the world and one of the largest mammals in North America and eastern Asia.


Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves and bark.

Although native to North America and eastern Asia, they have adapted well to countries where they have been introduced, including New Zealand and Argentina.

Their high level of adaptability poses a threat to endemic species and ecosystems where they have been introduced.


Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year.

Males engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling and bugling, a loud series of screams which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females.

The bugle call is one of the most distinctive calls in nature.

Elk are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted to livestock.

Efforts to eliminate infectious diseases from elk populations, largely through vaccination, have had mixed success.


Some cultures revere the elk as a spiritual force.

In parts of Asia, antlers and their velvet are used in traditional medicines.

Elk are hunted as a game species; the meat is leaner and higher in protein than beef or chicken.


Mature bulls will range in weight from 800 to 1,000 pounds, while cows will weigh 600 to 800 pounds.

Elk are predominantly raised for their antlers, which are promoted for use as an aphrodisiac in Korea.

Some producers raise large bulls for game hunting.

Others maintain a herd for aesthetic reasons.

The market for elk meat has not been developed because the animals are more valuable when produced for other uses.

As the industry matures and the value of breeding stock declines, meat production will likely become an important market for elk producers.


Elk graze on grasses and browse on trees and shrubs, depending on availability and nutrient content.

Elk tend to prefer grasses.

Ranchers have reported success feeding a combination of alfalfa and brome grass hay and 1 to 2 pounds of pelleted corn, oats and screenings during the winter.

It may be necessary to mix minerals with the pellets because some problems have been observed with elk refusing block minerals and vitamins.

One animal unit month (AUM) is equivalent to three mature elk females.

This means that rangeland which is capable of supporting 50 head of beef cow-calf pairs for the season will support 150 elk cow-calf pairs.


http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/alt-ag/elk.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elk