4 Tips To Consider When Raising Beef Cattle

Raising beef cattle can be a rewarding experience; you can boost tremendous profits and interact with animals daily. However, raising cattle is also a tedious challenge, and owners must adjust to rapid changes.
So, what are some things to know before jumping into owning cows? Let's explore four tips to consider when raising beef cattle and what to look out for. From there, you’ll gain experience and see profits in the upcoming future.
Choose the Right Cattle Breed
A significant tip to consider when raising beef cattle is choosing the right breed. Different types of cows require specific climate conditions. If you live in cold, bitter climates in the winter, species such as Scotch Highland or Galloway acclimate well to surviving and foraging during intense winters.
As for warmer climates, American Criollo breeds, Senepol, Sanga, Zebu, and Ankole-Watusi breeds would thrive. You can also crossbreed different types to diversify your land. If you want a smaller cattle breed to manage, try Dexter, Welsh Black, and Normande. It’s also essential to remember breeding systems and market trends for profits.
Housing and Fencing Facilities
Beef cattle require minimal housing needs compared to other livestock, especially a pastured land in the grazing season. However, it’s vital to have adequate land and dry lot space to protect from wind during unfavorable weather. Each species of cattle requires different space requirements, feeding, and resting areas when confined.
As for fenced areas, it’s necessary to plan the layout. Since fences represent a significant investment, professional advice is needed. Keeping your animals in without stressing them out is essential to having a fenced pasture. Well-constructed cattle handling facilities also maintain safety for humans and animals. It makes sorting, loading, or restraining for vaccinations, breeding, and other procedures easy.
Feed and Water Quality
Feeding your cattle requires additional research. Well-designed feeders should remain off the ground and prevent wasted feed from spilling while keeping away parasite infections. While many feeders can accommodate feeding both grain and hay, others can have just hay or grain.
Water must remain readily accessible to your beef cattle. It’s one of the essential pieces of livestock equipment to keep your cattle happy and healthy. Water should always be fresh and clean to prevent illness and infection.
Check Your Local Regulations
Depending on where you live, it’s necessary to check in with your state regulations to see what requirements you need to meet. See how much land you need, the quality of shelters and fencing, how many cows you can have on the property, and so on. You don’t want to run into trouble with the law after having a faculty piece of equipment or fencing.
Raising cattle is a challenging yet rewarding experience. If you do it right, it can bring profit and success to your business!