Free-ranging european bison – genetic pool reserve

The objective of the research was to protect and increase population of European bisons and to explore economically favourable effects under the new habitat conditions of the Russia’s European North. The subject of the research was purebred European bisons, inhabiting Vologda region. A high resistance of European bisons against helminthosis, flexibility and adoptability within new habitat conditions with gaining required phenotypic traits were ascertained. Oxen live weight reachs 900 kg, withers height – 180 cm, hoof width of fore limb – 100 mm, of hind limb – 80 mm. Maximum skin thickness is spotted at head front – 13 mm, at neck – 9 mm, at shoulders – 9 mm, at tarsus, basipodium, metacarpus and metapodium – up to 7 mm. The skin is thinner at abdomen and sides – up to 6mm. Hence, in terms of skin thickness European bison surpasses cattle in all body areas by 2-4 mm. In addition rich rumen microfauna is stipulated by a wide nutrition range in comparison with cattle. In Vologda region European bisons consumes more than 100 plan species. It should be noted, woody forage is used throughout the year period, making up 5% in summer period and up to 70% in winter months. Dry matter digestibility of natural diet varies 53-67.5%, while fibre digestibility riches 69%. In should be highlighted, that protein share in bison meat exceeds that in average fat cattle meat by two times. Amino acids content per 1 kilo of bison meat varies from 183.8 to 195.3 g, of which nonreplaceable amino acids are 103.9 to 117.3 g, hence, muscular tissue contains less collagen and elastin. The facts, displayed here above, signify special value of these large hoofed animals’ genetic pool, which can be used for cattle breed improvements. Species immigration anticipates not only European bison inclusion into plantivorous community of the region, but biocenosis in general. The habitat of frre-ranging European bison population in Vologda region by its natural specifications and rich forage base is viable and prospective for protected species recovery and proliferation. Climate and geographic location of the region and forage capacity provide for good living conditions as well as species’ merits exertion.