Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxins. All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies. The following references aid in recognizing disease characteristics and hazards associated with botulinum toxin.
Budd suggests that a prospective buffalo rancher look up the recommended beef cow-calf stocking rate for the area and multiply by 10 to get the acreage necessary for stocking buffalo. He keeps a 30:1 cow:bull ratio. His land will support a cow-calf pair on 15 acres and a yearling over summer on 5 acres. Buffalo are easier on pasture than cattle, says Budd, because they roam and they graze all year around, reducing the stress placed on any particular area of the pasture.
Following are some suggestions that should help with the situation. Estimate hay needs. A cow can eat 25 to 30 pounds of hay a day and waste a couple of more pounds. This adds up to 27 to 32 pounds per day per cow. Allow about half this amount for weanling calves and about threeâquarters for yearlings. Plan to feed until April 1.