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January 2002

2002 Guidelines For Estimating
Bison Bull Finishing Costs
Weight Range of 524-1075 lbs.
Based on 25 Head

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This guide is designed to provide you with planning information and a format for calculating costs of production associated with feeding 25 bison feeder bulls from weaning to finish. The production costs included in this guide are not intended as a cost study of the bison industry in Manitoba.

The budget estimates are based on a number of assumptions which are clearly defined in the supporting pages. Input costs are based on recommended practices and/or information obtained from producers. Good management is assumed in that a balanced feeding program is being used, bison are on a herd health program and handling facilities are included.

The guideline can be useful for comparison purposes. Comparison of costs at different levels of production can be made with other farms, the farm over a period of time or comparing the plan with the actual results at the end of the planning period.

The budget may be adjusted to reflect your unique situation by substituting your own figures in the appropriate places. Each bison producer is encouraged to determine their own costs of production based on their own inputs, pasture program and level of management.

Disclaimer: This budget is only a guide and is not intended as an in-depth study of the cost of production of this industry. Interpretation and utilization of this information is the responsibility of the user. No liability for decisions based on this publication is assumed. If you require assistance with developing your individual budget, please contact your local MAF Farm Management Specialist or the Farm Management Section in Winnipeg at (204) 945-4937.

BISON BULL FINISHING COST - SUMMARY
(BASED ON 25 HEAD)

A. OPERATING COSTS
1. Feed Costs Cost/Head

Total Cost

Your Cost
1.01 Complete Ration $107.21 $2,680

________

1.02 Grass Hay $70.20 $1,755 ________
1.03 Salt & Mineral $4.06 $102 ________
1.04 Pasture Cost $58.50 $1,463 ________
Total Feed Costs $239.97 $6,000 ________
2. Other Operating Costs
2.01 Feeder Cost $630.00 $15,750 ________
2.02 Straw $3.00 $75 ________
2.03 Veterinary Medicine & Supplies $17.31 $433 ________
2.04 Annual Fuel & Repair Costs $16.00 $400 ________
2.05 Utilities $8.00 $200 ________
2.06 Transportation Costs $35.71 $893
2.07 Insurance $10.97 $274 ________
2.08 Manure Removal $8.00 $200 ________
2.09 Barn & Office Supplies $4.00 $100 ________
2.10 Death Loss $7.84 $196 ________
Subtotal Operating Costs $980.80 $24,521 ________
2.11 Operating Interest $39.13 $978 ________
TOTAL OPERATING COSTS $1,019.94 $25,499 ________
B. FIXED COSTS
3. Depreciation
3.01 Buildings $13.75 $344 ________
3.02 Machinery & Equipment $42.33 $1,058 ________
4. Investment
4.01 Buildings $5.50 $138 ________
4.02 Machinery & Equipment $14.16 $354 ________
TOTAL FIXED COSTS $75.74 $1,894 ________
TOTAL OPERATING AND FIXED COSTS $1,095.68 $27,393 ________
C. Labour $40.00 $1,000 ________
TOTAL COST OF PRODUCTION $1,135.68 $28,393 ________

Breakeven Selling Price $/lb
Operating Costs $1.01 ________
Operating & Fixed $1.08 ________
Total Costs $1.12 ________

ASSUMPTIONS

  1. This budget assumes the weaning and/or purchase weight of bison bull calves to be approximately 525 lbs. Finish weight would be assumed to be 1075 lbs.
  2. This budget assumes a shrink (lot to slaughter plant) of 6 %. Shrunk weight = 1011 lbs.
  3. Average Daily Gain = 1.85 lbs per day.
  4. Time frame from start to finish is approximately 297 days, 90 days finishing and and 117 days backgrounding and 90 days on pasture.
  5. Grain ration is prepared (minerals and salt included).
  6. This budget is based an a finishing enterprise of 25 bulls.

 

For Further Information Contact Your Local Agricultural Office
Prepared By:
Peter Blawat, P.Ag.
Farm Management Specialist
Ray Salmon, P.Ag
Bison Specialist
 

 

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