Buying livestock is one of the key parts of farming that also serves to increase your profits. It may be difficult to find the necessary details available or know what to look for when buying livestock, especially if you are still just starting out. There are two main ways to do this: buying at auction or through a private deal. This article does not go into detail but instead shows the initial basics of knowing what to do when you want to buy livestock.
Steps
Step 1. You need to know what you are looking for
You need to know the breed, age, weight, classification and type of the cattle you want to buy. Based on the type of livestock you are looking for, the breed you are interested in is determined.
- Type = for meat or milk production.
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Classification = age / sex for a group of animals, in this case cattle. Livestock classifications include:
- Bulls: calf, weaned, one year old, two years old, mature, bologna bull.
- Cows: pregnant, not pregnant, pregnant cow with calf, lean, normal and for slaughter.
- Heifer: pregnant, not pregnant, fattening, weaned, calf heifer.
- Beef: for fattening.
- The weight is always approximately rounded to 45 kg.
- Concerning horned breeds: Beware of these breeds as you could get hurt while handling livestock and they could also scare other animals. You have to be sure before buying horned breeds because although they look better on a cosmetic level, they are more difficult to carry and tie up.
Step 2. Decide how much you want to spend
It is important to be able to buy animals that you can pay for right away. It is also important to be mentally strong to avoid letting go during an auction.
Of course if you don't have the money in hand, you will have to somehow make arrangements to pay later and preferably as soon as possible so as not to forget it
Step 3. Decide where to buy livestock
You have two options: from a private individual or at auction. The choice is yours. Remember that auctions mainly sell animals that are sick, slaughtered or difficult to sell. Be very vigilant when bidding on an animal you are interested in and would like to buy. You will not be able to meet or speak to the owner of the animal that will enter the ring. The best choice is always to buy from a private individual, because you can observe the animals you want to buy and talk to the owner asking him questions. This will also reduce the common sickness risks in public sales.
You can also buy livestock using the online livestock archives, online auctions via websites / forums / emails, magazines, local newspapers, possibly even from the local veterinarian, farmer and other people with experience in this field
Step 4. Make an appointment to visit the animals
Call the owner and tell him you are interested in the animals for sale. Ask when it would be appropriate to drop by to check it out. For auctions you will need to call the responsible office and ask when they will take place and what kind of livestock will be sold.
Step 5. Go to the farm or ranch to see the animals
You should be able to determine the condition of the animals by observing all livestock. Ask questions about the breed, herd, calving, weaning, age, health, etc. In the case of auctions, you can only draw quick conclusions before the animal for sale enters the ring. Here are the things to consider:
- Eyes: Must be shiny, clean without excrement, must not be encrusted or stained with blood.
- Nose: It must be cold, wet, with frequent leaks, breathing must be regular and not short of breath, beware of leaks, coughing, wheezing or irregular breathing.
- Coat: Shiny, clean and smooth, free of parasites, beware of rashes and if the hair is dry.
- Weight: Average weight of livestock, beware of animals that are too thin.
- Temperament: Curious, alert and contented, watch out for cattle standing on the sidelines that seem disinterested or have a bad temper. Check the arrangement of the hair in a spiral, the lower the spiral, the less capricious the animal will be.
- Mobility: The animal in question must be able to move freely without limping, also pay attention to irregular positions when the animal sits and must be able to get up easily.
- Udders (for dairy / breeding stock): Must look good, size does not determine conditions. They must be slightly forward, they must not be limp or too dense. When the animal moves, the udders should not be exposed laterally.
Step 6. Negotiate for the price
It is good to know the prices in advance to avoid being scammed by overpaying. Usually the cattle sold through a private agreement are estimated on the basis of the € / cwt ratio (one hundredweight - about 45Kg), except in the case of thoroughbred cattle and therefore it will be a little more expensive. At auctions, bidding continues until you reach your maximum quota and win the pet, but the price may also go beyond your budget.
- If the livestock in question is not suitable for your needs or does not have the characteristics you are looking for, do not buy it or do not bid at auction. If you buy pregnant cattle or cow with calf, tell the owner that you shop around, have a chat and then say "thank you for showing me the animals."
- When it comes to price, don't just think about money and livestock. Agree so that you can contact him if you need to ask him questions about any problems that arise in the future.
- Ask to view and check pet ownership documents before signing. Ask to see vaccinations, disease and production records.
Step 7. Buy the cattle of your choice
If it's worth it and you can agree with the owner about the price, buy the animals. When paying, don't use your credit card. For this type of payment use a check or cash. Some auction sales make exceptions by accepting credit or prepaid cards as well.
Ask if there is a guarantee. Not all sellers offer it, but if there is, make sure you get it in writing
Step 8. Bring the cattle home
Normally the buyer should have a shopping cart to take them home. If you don't have one, arrange with the owner to have them taken home. When you get home, put the cattle in their new "home", feed them properly, observe them and wait a few days until they are happy.
- Always put new livestock in an area other than livestock that is already present. This way they will have the opportunity to get used to it, to observe the cattle from a distance and to be more at ease.
- If you bring a bottle-fed calf home, have the bottle ready.
- If you are buying livestock for the first time, you need to know where your local vet is and when he is available. In addition, you must have adequate food, suitable cleaning tools, soil, halters and shelter for livestock.
Advice
- Do some research before buying. You will avoid making purchases with your eyes closed.
- Buying a pregnant cow or a cow with calf is always more expensive than young calves or non-pregnant heifers.
- It is possible to cure a sick animal. But, you need to be aware of the possible consequences, loss of money, time and possible contagion. If you decide to do it, do it staying positive and with caution and you will surely have good results.
- Before making a purchase, you need to know how to determine the physical conformation and health conditions of livestock. This will be of great help to you, especially if you want to expand your livestock by breeding your herd of cows and heifers with a breeding bull.
- Avoid buying very thin, capricious animals, skinny calves, etc. To keep it you will end up spending more money than you used to buy it. Also take into account the livestock already present in case you bring a new animal to the farm that may be sick, infecting others as well.
- Clearances are the best places to buy livestock in good condition.
Warnings
- Don't shop based on an animal's emotional worth. You need to be more interested in its production capabilities and the use you will make of it in your herd of cows, leaving out the purely aesthetic aspects or if you want to take care of it because it is sick. However, there may be exceptions where the aesthetic factor or the color of the coat indicates good health conditions. Above all, do not bring a sick animal with you, it is better to have it checked by the vet first or not to buy it.
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Beware of scams and scammers. Even though it's rare in this industry these days, be careful too.
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Beware of sellers who want to be paid in cash only, who require payment before delivery of the cattle, who ask for your banking information, credit card number, or anything else related to the financial aspect that the seller does not he must meddle.
Better keep these people away. Obviously if they ask for this information, don't give it to them. Instead, tell him that you will pay as soon as you receive the livestock or that to get the required information you must first call the local authorities
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Beware of impatient, defensive, offended, or liar owners when asking questions about livestock.
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If you're not a livestock expert, ask the main and necessary purchase questions and watch the owner carefully for any signs of untruth.
If this is the case bring a friend with you, especially one who is well versed in this area
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