Are you new to the business of cattle rearing? Raising beef cattle is a satisfying enterprise. Sustainability and productivity are the two things you need for successful beef rearing. You have to take care of the cattle’s health, reproduction, and nutrition to run a profitable farm. You will also require resources such as capital, land, and labour. There are several things you must consider. Here’s a beginner’s guide to raising beef and making a profit.
Choosing a breed
Each livestock breed has its unique traits. Maternal breeds are moderately sized. Terminal breeds are larger. Composite breeds have the characteristics of both maternal and terminal breeds. The largest beef producers know all about the best types of beef cattle. It is a crucial part of setting up your cow-calf operation. So, you should research about different breeds to narrow your choice.
There are other things that you will learn in this process. For instance, registration is mandatory for purebred animals. This rule is necessary to stop the illegal selling of calves solely for breeding purposes. But commercial cattle will not need registration. Some popular breeds include Limousin, Charolais, Black Angus, and Hereford. So, take some time and select a breed. The next step is to develop a reproductive plan.
Where can you buy animals?
There are various means of buying animals. You will get cattle for sale throughout the year. There are several advantages of attending these sales. All you should do is beware of local auctions. You will get competitive prices and a variety of options. But you should be careful. Animals sold through auctions often have health complications. Hence, check the health of animals before purchasing from an unknown seller.
There is another place where you will get registered animals. You can approach a reputable breeder in your city.
Equipment needed
Water- Insufficient or poor-quality water will impact the growth and health of your cattle. Make sure the animals always get clean water to drink.
Feeders- You should not allow animals to eat from the ground. This can cause parasite infections. Well-designed feeders will keep such problems at bay. They will reduce food wastage. They are available in many styles and sizes. Some feeders can hold both grain and hay.
Healthcare facilities- Routine health check-up is mandatory to maintain your animals. Do not delay deworming and vaccination. Stay in touch with an experienced vet who can treat them in times of emergencies.
Summary
Now you know the basics of beef production. Do you still think you should focus on beef farming in South Africa? So, start making arrangements like land, feeders, etc. Once your farm is ready, you need to buy animals. You should also educate yourself on how to raise beef cattle of good quality.
No comments yet