Abstract
The American bison (Bison bison) is iconic of the Great Plains of North America, yet the genus has had to overcome near extinction in the recent past prior to being re-established for food production. This scoping review summarizes the literature on the Plains Bison as a large ruminant species adequate for modern-day meat production in order to evaluate the species’ appropriateness as a sustainable meat source and to identify knowledge gaps hindering the sustainability evaluation of bison production. To date, we can anecdotally assume that bison husbandry could contribute to sustainability based on its positive contribution to biodiversity, physiological robustness, economically higher price per kg, and nutritive values, despite their decreased growth and performance rates compared to beef cattle. However, targeted and system-based research is required in order to unequivocally assess the sustainability of bison production in North America.
Highlights
Livestock farming is increasingly criticized for its impact on the environment as it contributes from 8 to 10% of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions [1], estimates vary widely [2]
The principle of sustainability is based on the responsible use of the Earth’s resources [6], a sentiment well-aligned with the American bison’s iconic history. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize the current literature on the American bison and its sustainability of production, while identifying gaps in research hindering the evaluation of the genus as a potential sustainable meat source
Grazing by large herbivores, such as bison and cattle, increases and promotes the biodiversity of an ecosystem to a large extent [31], as long as it is managed at a moderate level [24]
Summary
Livestock farming is increasingly criticized for its impact on the environment as it contributes from 8 to 10% of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions [1], estimates vary widely [2]. Due to animal husbandry practices and the deforestation and conversion of forest areas and pastureland into arable land for the production of livestock feed, consumers worldwide, but especially in the West, are increasingly demanding animal-friendly as well as sustainably produced food [4]. Peoples and settlers, standing as a symbol of hope for the future [5], a future in which bison, as the largest land mammal native to North America, could meet human needs for sustainably produced food. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize the current literature on the American bison and its sustainability of (commercial) production, while identifying gaps in research hindering the evaluation of the genus as a potential sustainable meat source
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