5th Annual Bison Basics Workshop November 9-11, 2007
BisonRidge Ranch
has 1100 acres of lush pastures, native grasslands, wetlands and woods. It is the home of nearly 370 bison. Jim Atten bought his first bison bull in 1970 and, along with his wife Georgia Derrick, has developed an ideal habitat for these magnificent creatures. Through trial and error Jim and Georgia have created a handling facility that is efficient and safe for bison, the “buffaleros” that operate the system and, of course, the vet!Recently the 110 year old farmhouse was converted
into a retreat and learning center creating a perfect place to host a
workshop!
Dr. Ken Throlsen,
DVM of New Rockford, ND
started raising bison in 1973. He is the National Bison Association “Guru”
on bison medicine and the only true bison specialist in the world. He wrote
the chapter on bison health for the NBA Bison Breeders Handbook. “Doc” Ken
will share his knowledge with you in the four fun and lively lectures on
Saturday.
Dr. Richard
Miotke ,DVM
Andrew
Winter,
Ranch
Manager, will teach the handling techniques in the sorting pens and the
ground work.
Tom Whitson,
What past students have said
From 2005 Workshop “I really enjoyed the workshop and have become very interested in the species as a result. I had a great time at your place and hope to be back soon. J.C.., WI School of Veterinary Medicine
From 2005 Workshop “I wanted to express my appreciation for a wonderful and educational weekend of Bison Basics. I can’t tell you how impressed I was with the depth of knowledge and caring shown by everyone involved. It was a privilege to learn from Doc Ken and the rest of you…..I will recommend Bison Basics and your facility and products to others…. E.B. WI School of Veterinary Medicine
From 2005 Workshop “Thank you so much for opening your home to us and offering the bison basics workshop. I learned so much and had a blast! S.S., WI School of Veterinary Medicine
From 2004 Workshop “Thank you again for the opportunity to work with your Buffalo Round-up. It was an amazing experience...Everyone was so helpful and patient and encouraging as we students learned about “motivating” the animals and it was a real treat to get hands-on practice with inoculations and ear tagging. Based on my exposure to bison….I feel more confident saying I would like to work with them... K.E. ., WI School of Veterinary Medicine
According to USDA census figures from 2002 there are over 230,000 bison in the United States and over 4,000 private ranches and farms raising bison yet many veterinarians refuse to work with bison because they are uncomfortable with their lack of knowledge in handling them. Acknowledging this fact, Georgia Derrick of BisonRidge Ranch, is hosting her 5th annual intensive 2 ½ day “Bison Basics Workshop” to aid veterinarians, veterinarian students and bison producers in working with bison.
BisonRidge Ranch offers a scholarship program for veterinarian students & veterinarian technicians interested in large animal practice. Scholarships were made possible from donations by companies such as Animart, WW Gates, Fort Dodge Animal Health and Boehringer Ingelheim.
Join BisonRidge Ranch for this fun and informative workshop open to anyone interested in the raising and handling of bison. Sign up early as seating fills up fast. Limited lodging is available at the ranch. Registration Form
The Class Schedule
Friday, November 9, 2007
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Check in
7:00 pm - Buffet and social
Saturday, November 10, 2007
8:00 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - Differences between Bison & Cattle
-nature of the beast-nutrition
-life span
-calving interval
- parasite control
10:15 am Break - refreshments
10:30 am - Handling Bison
-nature of the beast
-facility design
-equipment
-do’s and don’ts
12:00 pm- Lunch
1:00 pm - Bison Management I
-diseases
-vaccines
-more on parasite control
2:15 pm - Break - refreshments
2:30 pm - Bison Management II
-surgical procedures
-semen testing
-pregnancy testing
3:45 pm - Break - refreshments
4:00 pm - Question & Answer Session Dr. Kenneth Throlsen & Dr. Richard Miotke
6:00 pm - Dinner
Sunday, November 11, 2007
8:00 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - Tour of complete facilities Georgia Derrick
9:45 am - Introduction & Explanation of Procedures. Dr. Richard Miotke
10:00 am - Vaccinate, Deworm, Ear Tag & Preg Test “Teddy’s” Herd.
Dr. Richard Miotke, Tom Whitson & Georgia Derrick
Following the “round-up” chili will be served.
Dr. Throlsen, Dr. Miotke, Andrew, Tom and Georgia will be available to answer questions throughout the clinic.