TECHNIQUES OF MOOSE HUSBANDRY IN NORTH AMERICA

Abstract

Moose (Alces alces) are maintained in captive or semi-captive conditions in North America for display and education, scientific research, and commercial breeding. Moose husbandry techniques are widely scattered and in most cases poorly documented. In this review, I summarize husbandry techniques obtained from a survey of most facilities in North America with moose. In addition I summarize our experiences from the Moose Research Center where a large number (15 - 32) of moose are kept. Detailed descriptions of physical facilities, techniques for feeding and care of adults and calves, and maintenance of herd health are presented and discussed. Minimum facilities require at least a 2.13 m woven wire fence and shelter. With adequate shelter, moose can tolerate extreme cold and wind, but warm temperatures impose stress; shade and cooling ponds or sprinklers are important. A formulated ration meeting nutritional and physical requirement of moose has simplified feeding an reduced labor costs. Most moose are supplemented with fresh cut browse and other green plant material. Disease, particularly in calves, can result in high mortality. Moose do not survive in captivity as long as they do in the wild.