It’s good news for the bison industry.

New changes to the U-S Canadian bison shipping rules now eliminates the need for bison to be branded if they are heading into the U-S for feeding or breeding.

Terry Kremeniuk, the Executive Director for the Canadian Bison Association, says they see a number of animals move south for that purpose.

"In 2013, we had just over 4,100 animals and in 2014 we had again just over 4,200 animals. Having said that, with the exchange rates I expect the numbers will increase in 2015."

He says this is a key change as branding was one of the requirements put in place for shipping into the US after BSE.

In place of the brand, producers must now use the required RFID tag and one of the following - a dangle tag with the same number, a tattoo or a brand.

The new rules came into effect earlier this month with a transitional period in place until May 8 to accommodate health certificates issued prior to the new rule.