Cattle or cows as they are mostly
referred to is one of the most consumed form of animal in the whole world, its
meat which is beef is widely consumed and serves as the major source of protein
for most household. The income and financial benefits of engaging in cattle
rearing cannot be over emphasized. Food products which are consumed daily on a
mega scale gotten from cattle include; beef, milk, yoghurt, butter, cheese,
hide and skin etc. Many pastries and snacks make use of beef as a major
component. This form of business is more prominent among the fulanis in Nigeria
but in the true sense can also be practiced by any willing Nigerian regardless
of their tribes.
Tips
on starting a cattle rearing business
Cattle
farms or ranch:
There is need for a farm of a moderate size depending on the intended rearing
scale. It is advisable to have a moderate sized fence on the ranch to prevent
wondering off. Plants for the animals are preferably grown on the ranch to
provide easier and cheaper access to feed.
Feeding: planting of different
types of animal feed like hay, legumes etc should be done on the land and
animals should engage in free movement and feeding regularly.
Breeding: quality breeders
should be acquired and proper gestational care should be taken to enhance
offspring qualities. Artificial insemination is encouraged to increase breeding
efficiency and continuous breeding is encouraged.
Health
care:
the animals should be well taken care of, exercises are important to improve
muscles and bones. Vaccinations and other health care procedures should be put
in place. More training and research can also be done to improve and broaden your horizon.
Products
of economic value which can be gotten from cattle are:
Milk: for making cheese, yoghurt,
butter etc
Beef: for making meat
Hide and skin: for making
leathers for bags and shoes
Horns: for making ornaments
Hooves: for making protein
keratin useful in the production of extinguishers.
Bladders: useful for researches
and drug manufacturing etc
Selling the cattle itself and all
other products that can be generated from cattle are good ways of making money.
The demand for cattle and all other products is huge and cannot be saturated.