Domestication of any species requires an immense amount of patience, hard work and knowledge. It is an art which is not for everyone. Only the ones with keen eyes and eagerness to learn the trade could start this business since there are no hard and fast rules here. A cattleman gradually learns from his mistakes and grows. Here are some basics to starting an animal farm.
Selection
The first step is to decide which animal should be purchased. Calves need to look after for a couple of years before the breeding. Pregnant cows could also be brought. Investing in a mother cow and her calf to is an option for the cattleman to think. Whatever be the choice there are some standards to meet by the cattle before purchasing it as we know that the profits of cattle farm are mainly dependent on the amount of milk being produced so the selection of a cow should also be determined on this factor. A healthy cow should be arbitrated by its body weight, shiny coat, sparkling eyes, bright nose and ribs which could be felt but not seen. Cows which are low maintenance should be chosen so that there is not much labour or money being invested for the sparse outcome. The environment and climatic changes should also be taken into consideration while zeroing down on a particular breed since cows tend to stress out soon affecting the quality and quantity of milk being produced. Therefore cows of the local area should be brought since they would have already been adapted to the atmosphere. Docile animals who are not nervous or fiery should be attained so that there is no issue while milking, cleaning or feeding the cow. If possible try to know the history of cow regarding calving or any medical problem. Ensure that it has been vaccinated and doesn’t have any illness. For starters, it is not necessary to buy a bull as artificial insemination is a popular method used to impregnate the cow and will not cost as much as raising a bull.
Feeding
Large fields for livestock to graze on are necessary. It is also essential to change the pastures from time to time so that fresh and tender grass is available. Cultivating grains like corn, millet, oats, wheat etc. also adds to the feed. Commercial supplements should also be included in their diet to make sure they are receiving all the minerals and vitamins. Cattle of poor genetics can be raised successfully on to yield high profits if provide with top quality excellent grass and additives. The feed at different stages should be according to the needs of cattle. A pregnant cow will demand highly nutritious feed in large quantities than the heifers. Bulls devour a considerable amount of pastures and supplements making them high maintenance. Calves can’t graze and are fed with breast milk along with supplements suiting their age and needs. Feeding livestock requires immense knowledge which one will acquaint as the farm progresses. The correct quantity of supplements must be known so that no interference is made with the functioning of cow’s rumen.
Reproduction
There are two ways in which cattle are bred. The first one being the direct mating while the other form is artificial insemination. A potential mate is chosen diligently to deliver good quality Offspring. There are very few pure breeds in the world, most of them are reproduced by cross-mating to produce calves of higher quality. Cows in their heat period can be recognised by the swollen vulva, restlessness, irritation and lower milk yield. This is the period when cows remain calm when mounted. Pregnant cows need higher ration for the growing fetus and also for the lactation period. Commercial feeds should compulsorily be introduced into their diets to supplement the missing Nutrition.
Calving
Calves should be taken care off by keeping them close to their mothers in the initial days. The supplements required for weaning and growth should be introduced at a specific time. Breast milk is highly nutritious, and also it is the fundamental right of a calf. Lactating cows need an immense amount of energy and are prone to metabolic disorders hence paying extra attention to their bodily needs and fulfilling them has to be the priority of a cattleman.
and growth should be introduced at a specific time. Breast milk is highly nutritious, and also it is the fundamental right of a calf. Lactating cows need an immense amount of energy and are prone to metabolic disorders hence paying extra attention to their bodily needs and fulfilling them has to be the priority of a cattleman.
These are only basic information regarding the craft of animal farming. It’s only through experience that one learns to survive and make profits out of this business. It is the art of moulding the health, fertility and production to suit the needs of a cattleman.
