Parturition behaviour of European bison Bison bonasus living in reserves

Parturitions in four European bison cows were observed in breeding and show reserves. On the day before calving all pregnant cows either tried to moun t other females in a group or were mounted, two of which missed the feeding previous to calving. Parturitions lasted from 1 hour to 2 hrs 11 min. All cows but one calved lying. Immediately after giving birth the cows began to lick neonates intensively. The first standing of a calf took place after 1 9-45 min following birth and the first suckling occurred after 28-60 min. T he afterbirth was expelled about 4 hours after calving and devoured.