Buffalo Buffalo Management Management

Training provided by Training provided by

InterTribal Buffalo CouncilInterTribal Buffalo Council

Buffalo Buffalo Management PlansManagement Plans

It is important that each tribe submit a It is important that each tribe submit a management plan to the office. management plan to the office.

An outline is available in Word Format on An outline is available in Word Format on the “jump drive” provided to youthe “jump drive” provided to you

RangeRange

Range evaluations are important in Range evaluations are important in determining what your stocking rates determining what your stocking rates should be. These rates differ from region should be. These rates differ from region to region as well as from pasture to to region as well as from pasture to pasture. pasture.

ACTIVITYACTIVITY

You are stocking buffalo in the following: You are stocking buffalo in the following: short grass prairie pasture in eastern Wyoming; short grass prairie pasture in eastern Wyoming; a mid-grass prairie pasture in north central South Dakota;a mid-grass prairie pasture in north central South Dakota;a tall-grass prairie pasture in Iowa. a tall-grass prairie pasture in Iowa.

All the pastures are approximately 300 acres. All the pastures are approximately 300 acres.

Please give stocking rate recommendations for each type of Please give stocking rate recommendations for each type of pasture, considering that all the pastures are in good to pasture, considering that all the pastures are in good to excellent condition, water is available throughout the excellent condition, water is available throughout the pastures and the herd that will be stocked are a mix of pastures and the herd that will be stocked are a mix of cows, bulls, yearlings, calves, etc. cows, bulls, yearlings, calves, etc.

AUM’sAUM’s

Animal Unit EquivalentsAnimal Unit Equivalents AUAU

Buffalo, mature cow – with or Buffalo, mature cow – with or without calfwithout calf 1.01.0

Buffalo, mature bullBuffalo, mature bull 1.51.5

Buffalo, two year old heiferBuffalo, two year old heifer 0.70.7

Buffalo, yearlingBuffalo, yearling 0.50.5

Consider the following:Consider the following: One AUE consumes about 750 pounds One AUE consumes about 750 pounds

of air dry forage per monthof air dry forage per month 1 bull = 1.5 AUM x 12 months = 18 x 750 1 bull = 1.5 AUM x 12 months = 18 x 750

lbs of forage = 13,500 lbs of forage per lbs of forage = 13,500 lbs of forage per year neededyear needed

1 cow/calf pair = 1 AUM x 12 months = 1 cow/calf pair = 1 AUM x 12 months = 12 x 750 lbs of forage = 9000 lbs of 12 x 750 lbs of forage = 9000 lbs of forage per year neededforage per year needed

1 yearling = 0.7 x 12 months = 8.4 x 750 1 yearling = 0.7 x 12 months = 8.4 x 750 lbs of forage = 6,300 lbs of forage per lbs of forage = 6,300 lbs of forage per year neededyear needed

Weaned calf = 0.50 x 12 months = 6 x Weaned calf = 0.50 x 12 months = 6 x 750 lbs of forage = 4500 lbs of forage 750 lbs of forage = 4500 lbs of forage per year neededper year needed

Suggested forage residue levels for maintaining soil stability & plant vigor

Vegetation Type

Pounds/Acre Stubble height (inches)

Tallgrass 1200-1500 12-14

Midgrass 750-1100 6-8

Shortgrass 300-500 2-3

Buffalo HealthBuffalo Health

Stocking rates can even have an effect on Stocking rates can even have an effect on buffalo health. Buffalo can be susceptible to buffalo health. Buffalo can be susceptible to diseases and illness just like any other diseases and illness just like any other livestock animal – especially animals kept in livestock animal – especially animals kept in captivity.captivity.

Pastures with high stocking rates can lead to Pastures with high stocking rates can lead to disease and parasite issues. disease and parasite issues.

DiseaseDisease Common diseases that may be found in Common diseases that may be found in

buffalo herds (allegedly):buffalo herds (allegedly): BrucellosisBrucellosis Tuberculosis (TB)Tuberculosis (TB) Foot & Mouth DiseaseFoot & Mouth Disease Vesicular Stomatitis (VS)Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) PinkeyePinkeye AnthraxAnthrax PneumoniaPneumonia Copper Deficiency**Copper Deficiency**

BrucellosisBrucellosis

Also known as Bang’s Disease Also known as Bang’s Disease

In cattle and buffalo, the disease currently In cattle and buffalo, the disease currently localizes in the reproductive organs and/or localizes in the reproductive organs and/or the udder. Bacteria are shed in milk or via the udder. Bacteria are shed in milk or via the aborted fetus, afterbirth, or other the aborted fetus, afterbirth, or other reproductive discharges.reproductive discharges.

SymptomsSymptoms

The most obvious signs in pregnant animals are The most obvious signs in pregnant animals are abortion or birth of weak calves. abortion or birth of weak calves.

Other signs of brucellosis include an Other signs of brucellosis include an apparent lowering of fertility with poor conception ratesapparent lowering of fertility with poor conception rates retained afterbirths with resulting uterine infectionsretained afterbirths with resulting uterine infections enlarged, arthritic joints.enlarged, arthritic joints.

How is brucellosis How is brucellosis spread?spread?

Brucellosis is commonly transmitted to susceptible Brucellosis is commonly transmitted to susceptible animals by direct contact with infected animals or animals by direct contact with infected animals or with an environment that has been contaminated with an environment that has been contaminated with discharges from infected animals. with discharges from infected animals.

Even though it has never been scientifically proven Even though it has never been scientifically proven to pass from buffalo to cattle – it is required in most to pass from buffalo to cattle – it is required in most states to be bangs tested and/or vaccinated states to be bangs tested and/or vaccinated (Montana)(Montana)

Also, if you vaccinate for brucellosis – vaccinated Also, if you vaccinate for brucellosis – vaccinated animals will show a false positive when tested!animals will show a false positive when tested!

Brucellosis cont.Brucellosis cont.

Once an infected herd is located, the Once an infected herd is located, the infection is contained by quarantining all infection is contained by quarantining all infected and exposed cattle and buffalo and infected and exposed cattle and buffalo and limiting their movement to slaughter only, limiting their movement to slaughter only, until the disease can be eliminated from the until the disease can be eliminated from the herd.herd.

Tuberculosis (TB)Tuberculosis (TB)

Bovine Tuberculosis is an infectious Bovine Tuberculosis is an infectious disease.disease.

Bovine TB is a chronic disease that rarely Bovine TB is a chronic disease that rarely shows symptoms until it reaches an shows symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. The disease can lie advanced stage. The disease can lie dormant in an animal for many years.dormant in an animal for many years.

SymptomsSymptoms Gradual loss of weight despite adequate nutrition. Gradual loss of weight despite adequate nutrition.

Low-grade fever – Low-grade fever – Typical signs of fever include animals Typical signs of fever include animals

spending additional time at water sources, more frequent trips spending additional time at water sources, more frequent trips to the water source, drooping ears, mouth breathing and time to the water source, drooping ears, mouth breathing and time spent away from the herd.spent away from the herd.

Enlarged lymph nodes (i.e. in the neck)Enlarged lymph nodes (i.e. in the neck) Difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing. If the lungs are affected, a hacking moist cough If the lungs are affected, a hacking moist cough

may be present – cough may be worse in the may be present – cough may be worse in the morning, during cold weather, or exercise.morning, during cold weather, or exercise.

The greatest risk of the disease spreading is The greatest risk of the disease spreading is through respiration (breathing). Invisible through respiration (breathing). Invisible droplets containing TB bacteria may be droplets containing TB bacteria may be exhaled or coughed out by infected animals exhaled or coughed out by infected animals and then inhaled by other animals.and then inhaled by other animals.

Treatment:Treatment: The only successful method to The only successful method to remove Bovine TB is to destroy all infected remove Bovine TB is to destroy all infected and exposed animals.and exposed animals.

Foot and Mouth Foot and Mouth DiseaseDisease Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is caused by a fast-Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is caused by a fast-

spreading virus, is highly contagious, and spreading virus, is highly contagious, and sometimes fatal. The virus is easily transmitted sometimes fatal. The virus is easily transmitted through direct contact between animals or indirectly through direct contact between animals or indirectly through the movement of contaminated vehicles, through the movement of contaminated vehicles, shoes, clothing, or food. The virus can survive in the shoes, clothing, or food. The virus can survive in the environment for up to a month.environment for up to a month.

All cloven-footed animals are susceptible to the All cloven-footed animals are susceptible to the disease including:disease including:CattleCattle Buffalo BuffaloSheep/GoatsSheep/Goats Elk and Deer Elk and DeerSwineSwine Any other split-toe animals Any other split-toe animals

SymptomsSymptoms

Blisters may form in the animal’s mouth or Blisters may form in the animal’s mouth or muzzle, causing slobbering and drooling. muzzle, causing slobbering and drooling. Later, the blisters will break, forming raw Later, the blisters will break, forming raw patches or ulcers.patches or ulcers.

Blisters on the feet can result in lameness. Blisters on the feet can result in lameness. Affected animals will be reluctant or unable Affected animals will be reluctant or unable to drink, eat, or walk, and they will lose to drink, eat, or walk, and they will lose weight rapidly.weight rapidly.

Photograph of a mouth lesion in a captive buffalo

Vesicular Vesicular Stomatitis (VS)Stomatitis (VS)

VS is a viral disease that primarily affects VS is a viral disease that primarily affects horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, and swine. horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, and swine. This disease also occasionally affects sheep This disease also occasionally affects sheep and goats.and goats.

VS is most likely to occur during warm VS is most likely to occur during warm months in the Southwest, particularly along months in the Southwest, particularly along river-ways and in valleys. river-ways and in valleys.

Symptoms of VSSymptoms of VS

The most common clinical sign in cattle is The most common clinical sign in cattle is drooling or frothing at the mouth. Infected drooling or frothing at the mouth. Infected animals suffer from blister-like lesions in the animals suffer from blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves, and teats. Mouth lesions nostrils, hooves, and teats. Mouth lesions can be so painful that infected animals can be so painful that infected animals generally refuse to eat or drink. Infected generally refuse to eat or drink. Infected animals usually experience severe weight animals usually experience severe weight loss. loss.

The symptoms are similar to foot and mouth disease; therefore, it is extremely important to seek proper vet diagnosis!

Treatment of VSTreatment of VS

Producers should implement treatments to Producers should implement treatments to reduce secondary bacterial infection and reduce secondary bacterial infection and promote healing. Supportive care, such as promote healing. Supportive care, such as adding high-energy liquid gruel feed or adding high-energy liquid gruel feed or electrolytes to the water supply, is the single electrolytes to the water supply, is the single most important treatment. Consult a most important treatment. Consult a veterinarian about lesions to treat. veterinarian about lesions to treat.

Bovine Bovine Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis “TRICH”“TRICH” Bovine trichomoniasis (commonly called Bovine trichomoniasis (commonly called

“Trich”) can be an important cause of “Trich”) can be an important cause of economic loss in cattle operations that use economic loss in cattle operations that use natural service. natural service.

This disease is caused by a protozoan This disease is caused by a protozoan organism. This organism lives in the internal organism. This organism lives in the internal sheath and prepuce of the bull. In cows this sheath and prepuce of the bull. In cows this organism colonizes in the internal organism colonizes in the internal reproductive tract. reproductive tract.

TransmissionTransmission ““Trich” is a venereal disease of cattle. It is Trich” is a venereal disease of cattle. It is

transmitted from cow to cow by a bull during transmitted from cow to cow by a bull during breeding. Bulls show no clinical signs. Cows can breeding. Bulls show no clinical signs. Cows can commonly clear the infection within a few months; commonly clear the infection within a few months; however, infection in bulls over 4 years of age is however, infection in bulls over 4 years of age is usually permanent and is the main source of usually permanent and is the main source of transmission from one breeding season to another. transmission from one breeding season to another. The disease is self-limiting in cows, as opposed to The disease is self-limiting in cows, as opposed to bulls, that will be permanently infected. After several bulls, that will be permanently infected. After several heat cycles, most cows and heifers clear the heat cycles, most cows and heifers clear the infection, but this may take months. infection, but this may take months.

SignsSigns Ranchers may notice the following signs Ranchers may notice the following signs

when “Trich” infects a herd: when “Trich” infects a herd: Early abortion (too early to find an aborted fetus) Early abortion (too early to find an aborted fetus)

and return to heat and return to heat Repeated breeding resulting in long breeding Repeated breeding resulting in long breeding

seasons. seasons. A wide range of gestational ages at pregnancy A wide range of gestational ages at pregnancy

check. check. In first-time infected herds, it is common to end In first-time infected herds, it is common to end

with a 50 to 70 percent calf crop strung out over with a 50 to 70 percent calf crop strung out over three to eight months. three to eight months.

TreatmentTreatment

Visit with your vet – for testing and treatment!Visit with your vet – for testing and treatment! There are vaccines available. The vaccines There are vaccines available. The vaccines

help cows/heifers to clear the infection in a help cows/heifers to clear the infection in a matter of weeks (versus months in matter of weeks (versus months in unvaccinated cows). In most cases, it does unvaccinated cows). In most cases, it does not prevent infection. The vaccine does not not prevent infection. The vaccine does not prevent infection or reduce the disease in prevent infection or reduce the disease in bulls. There is no approved treatment for bulls. There is no approved treatment for infected bulls. infected bulls.

How can you control the disease in your herd? How can you control the disease in your herd? If one of your bulls is positive for trich, it is recommended If one of your bulls is positive for trich, it is recommended

to cull all bulls and vaccinate all females twice, one to cull all bulls and vaccinate all females twice, one month apart. month apart.

If you want to keep your bulls, you can vaccinate all If you want to keep your bulls, you can vaccinate all females annually, but it would be better to cull all bulls females annually, but it would be better to cull all bulls and open cows before next season. and open cows before next season.

An alternative, if you don't want to cull all bulls, is to An alternative, if you don't want to cull all bulls, is to sample them at least three times at weekly intervals. sample them at least three times at weekly intervals. With three negative tests, we will be 99 percent confident With three negative tests, we will be 99 percent confident that a bull is negative. that a bull is negative.

How can you prevent the disease in your herd? How can you prevent the disease in your herd? • • Use young, fertile bulls or artificial insemination (AI). Use young, fertile bulls or artificial insemination (AI). • • Culture new bulls at breeding soundness exam time. Culture new bulls at breeding soundness exam time. • • Keep a closed herd and test any animal that you buy. Keep a closed herd and test any animal that you buy.

PinkeyePinkeye

Pinkeye is a common infectious disease Pinkeye is a common infectious disease affecting the eyes of cattle and buffalo. The affecting the eyes of cattle and buffalo. The name describes the redness and name describes the redness and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid and eyeball.eyeball.

Pinkeye is non-fatal. It is known to occur at Pinkeye is non-fatal. It is known to occur at all seasons of the year. One or both eyes all seasons of the year. One or both eyes may be involved. may be involved.

SymptomsSymptoms Excessive weeping of the affected eye and Excessive weeping of the affected eye and

closure due to pain are the two signs most closure due to pain are the two signs most commonly observed.commonly observed.

As the disease progresses, the cornea may As the disease progresses, the cornea may become cloudy or white. An ulcer (eroded become cloudy or white. An ulcer (eroded circular spot) frequently develops near the circular spot) frequently develops near the center of the cornea. Temporary or center of the cornea. Temporary or permanent blindness can result.permanent blindness can result.

TreatmentTreatment An intensive fly control program is essential to limit An intensive fly control program is essential to limit

the spread of pinkeye in a herd. the spread of pinkeye in a herd. In cattle, prevention has been aimed at reducing the In cattle, prevention has been aimed at reducing the

population of face flies to which cattle are exposed, population of face flies to which cattle are exposed, reducing the spread of the infective agent. The reducing the spread of the infective agent. The insecticide-impregnated plastic ear tags are effective insecticide-impregnated plastic ear tags are effective in controlling the horn fly and face fly. These ear in controlling the horn fly and face fly. These ear tags are also an aid in controlling the stable fly and tags are also an aid in controlling the stable fly and housefly, and remain effective for up to 5 months.housefly, and remain effective for up to 5 months.

Insecticide ear tags have not been demonstrated to Insecticide ear tags have not been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of pinkeye in buffalo. Installing reduce the incidence of pinkeye in buffalo. Installing insecticide applicator wicks around grain and salt insecticide applicator wicks around grain and salt feeders as well as around water sources has been feeders as well as around water sources has been used to reduce the face fly population. used to reduce the face fly population.

Treatment/ Treatment/ PreventionPrevention Also sprays, charged back-rubbers, and dust bags Also sprays, charged back-rubbers, and dust bags

are products that can provide chemical control.are products that can provide chemical control. There are commercially available pinkeye vaccines There are commercially available pinkeye vaccines

on the market. They are designed for use in cattle. on the market. They are designed for use in cattle. Since the etiological agent for pinkeye in buffalo is Since the etiological agent for pinkeye in buffalo is unknown, the efficacy of these vaccines in buffalo unknown, the efficacy of these vaccines in buffalo is very questionable. is very questionable.

NoteNote

Handling buffalo with pinkeye can be dangerous to Handling buffalo with pinkeye can be dangerous to the handlers as well as to the animal. Buffalo that the handlers as well as to the animal. Buffalo that are blind in one or both of their eyes will be unable are blind in one or both of their eyes will be unable to protect the affected eye from injury during to protect the affected eye from injury during handling. They will frequently rupture the globe of handling. They will frequently rupture the globe of the affected eye in a handling facility, or a squeeze. the affected eye in a handling facility, or a squeeze. buffalo that are bilaterally blind from pinkeye are buffalo that are bilaterally blind from pinkeye are unable to avoid obstacles, fences, or other buffalo. unable to avoid obstacles, fences, or other buffalo. This predisposes them to serious injury This predisposes them to serious injury

AnthraxAnthrax Anthrax is a zoonotic disease of mammals and humans Anthrax is a zoonotic disease of mammals and humans

that is caused by a spore-forming bacterium.that is caused by a spore-forming bacterium. Animals are usually infected by ingesting soil-borne Animals are usually infected by ingesting soil-borne

spores, such as in contaminated feed or water. Spores spores, such as in contaminated feed or water. Spores can be ingested directly from the soil through grazing or can be ingested directly from the soil through grazing or from forage contaminated with infected soil. When from forage contaminated with infected soil. When periods of drought cause livestock to graze much periods of drought cause livestock to graze much closer to the ground, animals may ingest spores in soil closer to the ground, animals may ingest spores in soil they accidentally eat along with forage.they accidentally eat along with forage.

Biting flies and other insects may harbor vegetative Biting flies and other insects may harbor vegetative Anthrax and have also been reported to be vehicles for Anthrax and have also been reported to be vehicles for mechanical transmission.mechanical transmission.

SymptomsSymptoms The incubation period for Anthrax in animals is The incubation period for Anthrax in animals is

typically 3 to 7 days with a range of 1 to 14 days, or typically 3 to 7 days with a range of 1 to 14 days, or more.more.

In cattle or sheep, the course of illness may last In cattle or sheep, the course of illness may last about 1 to 2 hours. Clinical signs such as fever up to about 1 to 2 hours. Clinical signs such as fever up to 107107°, muscle tremors, respiratory distress, and °, muscle tremors, respiratory distress, and convulsions often go unnoticed.convulsions often go unnoticed.

After death, there may be bloody discharges from After death, there may be bloody discharges from the natural openings of the body, rapid bloating, a the natural openings of the body, rapid bloating, a lack of rigor mortis, and the presence of unclotted lack of rigor mortis, and the presence of unclotted blood.blood.

Buffalo killed by anthrax are often found on their back or side with their legs in a "saw-horse position". 

Vaccination & Vaccination & TreatmentTreatment Annual vaccination of livestock in endemic Annual vaccination of livestock in endemic

areas is recommended 2-4 weeks prior to the areas is recommended 2-4 weeks prior to the expected season on onset.expected season on onset.

The anthrax bacteria is highly susceptible to The anthrax bacteria is highly susceptible to a number of antibiotics. Penicillin and a number of antibiotics. Penicillin and oxytetracycline have been reported to be oxytetracycline have been reported to be good therapeutic agents.good therapeutic agents.

This vaccination is recommended in South This vaccination is recommended in South Dakota but may not be recommended in your Dakota but may not be recommended in your state!state!

PneumoniaPneumonia There are many viruses, bacteria and various There are many viruses, bacteria and various

stressors associated with pneumonia. One type of stressors associated with pneumonia. One type of virus has been associated with pneumonia in virus has been associated with pneumonia in weaned buffalo calves. This virus has been found in weaned buffalo calves. This virus has been found in the tonsils and upper respiratory tract of clinically the tonsils and upper respiratory tract of clinically normal buffalo. normal buffalo.

It is thought that stressors such as shipping, It is thought that stressors such as shipping, weaning, mixing, overcrowding, starvation, water weaning, mixing, overcrowding, starvation, water deprivation, and handling reduces the effectiveness deprivation, and handling reduces the effectiveness of the lung's protective mechanisms. This allows of the lung's protective mechanisms. This allows viruses and bacteria to invade the lung and cause viruses and bacteria to invade the lung and cause pneumonia. pneumonia.

The clinical signs include: The clinical signs include: increased respiratory rate increased respiratory rate coughcough nasal discharge nasal discharge depression depression anorexia anorexia weight loss. weight loss. Pneumonia can be a frequent cause of sudden death in cattle.Pneumonia can be a frequent cause of sudden death in cattle.

Anorexic buffalo calves will often stand along side of their Anorexic buffalo calves will often stand along side of their pen mates with their heads in grain or hay feeders and mimic pen mates with their heads in grain or hay feeders and mimic eating. eating.

Careful consideration should be given to nutritional changes, Careful consideration should be given to nutritional changes, handling procedures, transportation, weather, and any other handling procedures, transportation, weather, and any other stressors that may be identified as possible contributors to stressors that may be identified as possible contributors to the outbreak of pneumonia. the outbreak of pneumonia.

Treatment protocols for buffalo with pneumonia have not Treatment protocols for buffalo with pneumonia have not been reported. In cattle, many broad-spectrum antibiotics been reported. In cattle, many broad-spectrum antibiotics have been used to treat individuals and to mass medicate have been used to treat individuals and to mass medicate pens of cattle. If possible, long acting, broad-spectrum pens of cattle. If possible, long acting, broad-spectrum antibiotic preparations should be selected for use in buffalo. antibiotic preparations should be selected for use in buffalo.

During an outbreak, careful surveillance of buffalo calves at During an outbreak, careful surveillance of buffalo calves at risk with little or no intervention is critical to minimizing the risk with little or no intervention is critical to minimizing the mortalities caused by pneumonia. mortalities caused by pneumonia.

Keen observation by ranchers who are familiar with the Keen observation by ranchers who are familiar with the behavior of buffalo calves will be essential for the behavior of buffalo calves will be essential for the identification of sick buffalo calves. Sick calves should be identification of sick buffalo calves. Sick calves should be carefully removed from the group, treated and then returned carefully removed from the group, treated and then returned to the group. Mass medication with long acting, broad-to the group. Mass medication with long acting, broad-spectrum injectable antibiotics or through the feed or water spectrum injectable antibiotics or through the feed or water with broad-spectrum oral antibiotics may be considered. with broad-spectrum oral antibiotics may be considered.

Copper DeficiencyCopper Deficiency

This has been a problem experienced by few This has been a problem experienced by few buffalo programs: Seneca Cayuga & buffalo programs: Seneca Cayuga & Sisseton Sisseton

Copper is important for the proper function of Copper is important for the proper function of many enzymes in the body.   Deficiency many enzymes in the body.   Deficiency leads to improper growth of bones, anemia, leads to improper growth of bones, anemia, nervous tissue defects and many other nervous tissue defects and many other abnormalities that can affect the health and abnormalities that can affect the health and productivity of your animals. productivity of your animals. 

SymptomsSymptoms

The hair coat of affected animals tends to be The hair coat of affected animals tends to be lighter in color than healthy animals, and lighter in color than healthy animals, and often lacks luster.  often lacks luster. 

Animals may have hind limb weakness as a Animals may have hind limb weakness as a result of degeneration of their spinal cord or result of degeneration of their spinal cord or there may be an increased incidence of there may be an increased incidence of fractures in the herd.  fractures in the herd. 

Reproductive performance is often affected Reproductive performance is often affected and diarrhea may be present in some and diarrhea may be present in some animals.   animals.  

Testing/TreatmentTesting/Treatment

Currently, the only test that gives a good Currently, the only test that gives a good indication of the copper status of an animal is indication of the copper status of an animal is liver analysis.  Liver samples can be liver analysis.  Liver samples can be collected from animals that die on the farm or collected from animals that die on the farm or from slaughtered animals to assess the from slaughtered animals to assess the herd’s copper status. herd’s copper status. 

Treatment and prevention of the condition is Treatment and prevention of the condition is based on oral supplementation.   Copper can based on oral supplementation.   Copper can be supplemented in free choice minerals or be supplemented in free choice minerals or fed as part of the ration in grain pellets.  fed as part of the ration in grain pellets. 

ParasitesParasites Parasite problems arise out of high stocking rates. Parasite problems arise out of high stocking rates. Overcrowded conditions can lead to overgrazing, increased Overcrowded conditions can lead to overgrazing, increased

manure concentrations, and than on to a parasite problem.manure concentrations, and than on to a parasite problem. If not properly taken care of deaths can occur.If not properly taken care of deaths can occur.

The internal worms that may affect buffalo are the same as The internal worms that may affect buffalo are the same as cattle and include:cattle and include:

TapewormsTapeworms Stomach wormsStomach worms FlukesFlukes

There are thousands of parasites – these are just a few examples!There are thousands of parasites – these are just a few examples! Possibly the most important element of herd that can be Possibly the most important element of herd that can be

applied to buffalo is parasite control. Buffalo don’t carry a applied to buffalo is parasite control. Buffalo don’t carry a natural resistance to the effects of these pests!natural resistance to the effects of these pests!

Unhealthy appearance Unhealthy appearance Will not gain weight Will not gain weight Poor reproductive performance (infertility)Poor reproductive performance (infertility) DeathDeath

It is important to maintain a good worming program It is important to maintain a good worming program in your management. Many wormers do not kill in your management. Many wormers do not kill tapeworm! This is important to remember even tapeworm! This is important to remember even when the de-wormer says its effective against a when the de-wormer says its effective against a broad spectrum it is a good idea to use a separate broad spectrum it is a good idea to use a separate treatment for tapeworms!treatment for tapeworms!

SymptomsSymptoms

TapewormsTapeworms

Tapeworms are the number one parasite Tapeworms are the number one parasite that affects buffalo.that affects buffalo.

A severe infestation will cause chronic A severe infestation will cause chronic diarrhea and wasting away. diarrhea and wasting away.

De-wormingDe-worming If you have parasite issues or have your buffalo on If you have parasite issues or have your buffalo on

small pastures – it is recommended to de-worm small pastures – it is recommended to de-worm your herd at least once a year.your herd at least once a year.

The injectable wormers are the best to use, as the The injectable wormers are the best to use, as the pour on wormers may have problems penetrating pour on wormers may have problems penetrating the thick hair of the buffalo in high enough the thick hair of the buffalo in high enough concentrations to be effective. concentrations to be effective.

However, it is recommended that a vet inject the However, it is recommended that a vet inject the wormer and if you do not have a vet on site, pour wormer and if you do not have a vet on site, pour on de-wormers are suggested.on de-wormers are suggested.

Also keep in mind that most de-wormers require 21 Also keep in mind that most de-wormers require 21 days before it is safe to slaughter and eat the meat!days before it is safe to slaughter and eat the meat!

Pour-on Wormers Pour-on Wormers (example)(example)

Cydectin pour-on, labeled for use in cattle of all ages, is effective Cydectin pour-on, labeled for use in cattle of all ages, is effective against a broad spectrum of important internal and external against a broad spectrum of important internal and external parasites. parasites.

Cydectin is also effective against grubs, lice and horn flies, and Cydectin is also effective against grubs, lice and horn flies, and is the only pour-on labeled for control of the common scab mite. is the only pour-on labeled for control of the common scab mite.

TestingTesting Check fresh fecal matter Check fresh fecal matter

by taking it to the vet – by taking it to the vet – they can check if there is they can check if there is a parasite issue and if a parasite issue and if there is what kind of there is what kind of parasite problem you may parasite problem you may havehave

Copper deficiency mimics Copper deficiency mimics a parasite problem so if a parasite problem so if you continue to see you continue to see symptoms or even deaths symptoms or even deaths have your buffalo have your buffalo checked!checked!

Nutrition Nutrition RequirementsRequirements

Buffalo are grazing ruminants that have a four Buffalo are grazing ruminants that have a four chamber stomach for feed digestion. The first chamber stomach for feed digestion. The first two stomachs chambers are the rumen & two stomachs chambers are the rumen & reticulum. reticulum.

A buffalo’s rumen is very structured, ensuring that A buffalo’s rumen is very structured, ensuring that forage based feeds are retained for long periods forage based feeds are retained for long periods of time. As a result, buffalo only feed four to nine of time. As a result, buffalo only feed four to nine times a day, consuming large quantities of forage times a day, consuming large quantities of forage per feeding. Buffalo also retain feed in their per feeding. Buffalo also retain feed in their digestive system longer than cattle.digestive system longer than cattle.

Longer feed retention means that buffalo Longer feed retention means that buffalo have more time to digest the fiber in feeds have more time to digest the fiber in feeds such as sedges and grasses.such as sedges and grasses.

However, when consuming alfalfa or alfalfa However, when consuming alfalfa or alfalfa brome hay, there is virtually no difference in brome hay, there is virtually no difference in digestibility between buffalo and cattle digestibility between buffalo and cattle because the fiber level in alfalfa based because the fiber level in alfalfa based forages is typically lower than in grasses and forages is typically lower than in grasses and sedges.sedges.

Comparison of total tract retention time and dry matter digestibility of forages between buffalo and cattle

Buffalo Cattle

Total Tract Retention Time 78.8 68.7

Dry Matter Digestibility (%)

Sedge Hay 64 58

Grass Hay 74 62

Alfalfa/brome hay 50 52

Estimated Nutrient Estimated Nutrient Requirements of female Requirements of female buffalo (dry matter basis)buffalo (dry matter basis)

Age Protein % TDN% Calcium% Phosphorous%

6 – 12 months 12 – 14 53 -60 0.70 0.65

1 year 10 – 12 53 – 60 0.70 0.65

1.5 year 8 – 12 50 – 52 0.50 0.45

2 year 10 – 12 53 – 60 0.45 0.40

2.5 year 6 – 7 45 – 50 0.35 0.25

April – May gestation

8 – 10 54 – 56 0.40 0.35

May – Nov Lactation/Flush

9 – 10 54 – 58 0.40 0.35

Maturity Maintenance

6 – 7 48 – 50 0.35 0.25

The ideal grass fed bison diet is The ideal grass fed bison diet is approximately 93% grass, 5% forbs, and 2% approximately 93% grass, 5% forbs, and 2% browse.browse.

Growth, appetite, and energy requirements of buffalo Growth, appetite, and energy requirements of buffalo are seasonal and decrease from summer to winter. are seasonal and decrease from summer to winter. These features along with the ability to thoroughly digest These features along with the ability to thoroughly digest low quality forages make bison well adapted to the low quality forages make bison well adapted to the Northern Great Plains. Northern Great Plains.

During summer, the higher nutritional requirements can During summer, the higher nutritional requirements can be met by grazing on relatively inexpensive well be met by grazing on relatively inexpensive well managed pasture. managed pasture.

In winter, the animal can be maintained cheaply on In winter, the animal can be maintained cheaply on stockpiled pasture, annual crop residues and lower stockpiled pasture, annual crop residues and lower quality hay. During winter grazing, supplemental quality hay. During winter grazing, supplemental feeding may only be required during periods of extreme feeding may only be required during periods of extreme snow conditions.snow conditions.

Water is an important natural resource and in face a Water is an important natural resource and in face a major nutrition source. Too often water is not major nutrition source. Too often water is not considered a nutrient and is overlooked. Water considered a nutrient and is overlooked. Water quality is important, no matter the source, and in quality is important, no matter the source, and in some areas may be the weak link in the nutrient some areas may be the weak link in the nutrient chain.chain.

Buffalo tend to be sensitive to nutritional deficiencies. Buffalo tend to be sensitive to nutritional deficiencies. A weak link in the chain can make a difference A weak link in the chain can make a difference between a 50% calf crop and a 90% calf crop.between a 50% calf crop and a 90% calf crop.

Supplemental Supplemental FeedingFeeding Mineral SupplementsMineral Supplements

Hay if neededHay if needed

Even if you do not supplemental feed you Even if you do not supplemental feed you may want to leave hay in areas you want the may want to leave hay in areas you want the buffalo to move or get used to (corrals, new buffalo to move or get used to (corrals, new watering source)watering source)