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Bison at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve are tested for cattle DNA.

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve | November 26, 2011

Many bison, if not most, have traces of cattle genes in their DNA. The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve has been testing for these traces for several years. Individuals found to have cattle genes have been culled from the herd and now fewer and fewer are found each year at the annual roundup. While the bison is in the squeeze chute for it’s annual checkup and inoculations, someone (who drew the short straw) has to reach in and pull some hair from it’s tail. Learn more about bison DNA and the hazards of pulling a bison's tail in this article from the Wall Street Journal.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.