![G.A.P. Species: Bison](png/icon-bison.png)
Access a detailed version of our comprehensive standards in the documents below or reference this quick, at-a-glance overview of the key standards being met at each certification level to understand which level could be achievable for your farm or ranch.
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 1](png/gap-label-step1.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-1-1.jpg)
Calves, yearlings, backgrounders must be kept on pasture
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-1-2.jpg)
Market animals can be kept in feeder pens for finishing only
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-1-3.jpg)
Feeder pens must have lots of space, provide bison with a clean and dry place to lie, and have scratching posts
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-1-4.jpg)
No physical alterations permitted
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bison-weaning.jpg)
Specific weaning requirements
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-4-5.jpg)
Transport duration must not exceed 20 hours
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 2](png/gap-label-step2.png)
NO LEVEL 2 STANDARD FOR BISON
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 3](png/gap-label-step3.png)
NO LEVEL 3 STANDARD FOR BISON
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 4](png/gap-label-step4.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-4-1.jpg)
Breeding herds, calves, and finishers must live continuously on pasture
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-4-1.jpg)
Yearlings must live continuously on pasture
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-4-3.jpg)
No feedlots or feeder pens permitted
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bison-weaning.jpg)
Specific weaning requirements
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-1-4.jpg)
No physical alterations permitted
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-4-5.jpg)
Transport duration must not exceed 20 hours
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 5](png/gap-label-step5.png)
NO LEVEL 5 STANDARD FOR BISON
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 5+](png/gap-label-step5plus.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-6-1.jpg)
Breeding herds, calves, finishers, and yearlings must live continuously on pasture
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-6-2.jpg)
No feedlots permitted
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bison-weaning.jpg)
Specific weaning requirements
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-1-4.jpg)
No physical alterations permitted
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-6-4.jpg)
No transport time; entire life on same operation
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-bison-step-6-5.jpg)
Field harvested or slaughtered at a mobile or on-farm slaughter facility
All levels of certification: No animal by-products | Every farm 3rd party audited every 15 months
Standards in green indicate a new or changed requirement from the previous certification level.