It is not possible to start raising a new herd of cows without obtaining some good quality cows. Knowing which cows to look for and understanding where to find them and how to deal with them is essential for any farmer.
Steps
Step 1. Determine what you want to get from your herd
Try to understand what you are able to do and what your goals are before purchasing the specimens. Are you ready to take on the responsibilities of a thoroughbred cow farmer? Or do you want to start with the easy way out of the annual calf sale?
- A business that deals with thoroughbred cows It will require you to start with excellent breeding specimens, so that you can sell high quality bulls and heifers to other breeders. Knowing the most important notions of genetics, the predictable differences in offspring and the physical conformation of cows, as well as being able to advertise, finance and manage your business is crucial for a business that deals with purebred specimens. In an operation of this type you will be able to choose your favorite breed and improve it, using its strengths to attract potential buyers.
- A commercial activity with cows and calves it will require you to start with good or medium quality breeding specimens that may be thoroughbred, purebred or cross-bred, in order to produce calves for sale on the meat market. You won't have to deal with advertising and financing as much as a thoroughbred breeder, but you will still need to sell your calves and monitor the progress of your herd. With a commercial operation you will be able to start with any breed or cross breed of your choice, with the aim of producing calves that can reach a good weight at weaning age or in early youth, in order to successfully sell them to the market. some meat.
Step 2. Choose a breed
The place where you live, the climate, the seasons, the terrain and the vegetation of the area are all fundamental factors to consider in deciding the type of cows that is right for you. Other aspects to consider include:
- Look for cows that are easy to maintain, that can stay healthy by feeding exclusively forage, that have no reproductive problems, that have a good constitution (remember that the udders and feet are the most important parts), a good temperament and a good aptitude for motherhood.
- Choose cows that are suitable for the climate and vegetation in your area; they will not only have to survive, but thrive. Also remember to choose the breed based on your personal preferences, on the demands of the local market, on the color of the coat, on the presence or absence of horns, etc.
Step 3. Find a reputable breeder who sells the type of cattle you are looking for
Turning to a thoroughbred breeder may be the best choice for a newbie.
Find a breeder who has been in business for at least 20 years and who embodies the standards by which you intend to care for your cattle and raise them
Step 4. Examine the breeder / retailer's specimens
Ask them if you can personally examine the cows and other animals for sale and take pictures of them. Calmly study them in your home to assess whether the animals meet the standards of conformation and physical constitution.
Step 5. Don't be afraid to ask
Ask everything you want to know about the health of the specimen, the type of nutrition received over the years, the way it was raised, the average cost of the cows, the weight of the calves at weaning age, the breeding techniques, on the genetic characteristics transmitted to the offspring and so on. Draw up a list of the questions that interest you before going to the breeder, so you don't forget any of the questions you should have or could have asked. Check the questions on the list as you receive satisfactory answers, so as to make sure you cover all the fundamental aspects.
Step 6. Go home and make your decisions
Study the photographs taken as thoroughly as possible, read the questions and mentally repeat the answers provided by the breeder. Visit one of the online forums, such as the Agriculture Forum or any other specialized site, to ask for the opinion of other industry experts on the quality and type of cows you are thinking of buying.
Step 7. Refuse or accept
Contact the retailer to let them know if you would like to purchase the specimens or if you have decided to go elsewhere. Remember, of course, to be courteous. If his cows are for you, great! Welcome to the world of cattle farmers! If not, keep looking: sooner or later you will find what you are looking for. Good luck with your purchase and with your future herd!
Advice
- Study the standards relating to the conformation and body constitution of cattle until you see them appear in your dreams as well.
- Have the cows checked if they are pregnant before buying them, or ask the farmer if they have already taken the test and have them provide written confirmation.
- Know the average prices of a cow or a heifer. Purebred cows are typically sold at a slightly higher price.
- Start small. Start with two or three “good” cows (where “good” stands for “excellent quality”), or with five or six medium quality cows, depending on your operational goals. Do not fill your property with all the animals that can stay there, you may not be able to handle the situation.
- Remember to write down whatever comes to your mind: thoughts, questions, answers, decisions. Keep all this information close at hand.
- Remember the risks associated with buying weaned heifers versus more experienced cows and make your decisions based on what you know and the sacrifices you are willing to make to personally raise the heifers.
- On the internet there are several forums, such as the aforementioned Agricultural Forum, where you can ask for advice and get help from more experienced people to understand if you have made the right decision.
- Ask all the questions you want! Don't be afraid to ask for more information: they will be your guarantee of quality.
- Learn how to artificially inseminate cows and heifers and manually recognize any pregnancies so you don't even have to buy a bull for your half-dozen cows. You can also consult an expert who knows the techniques for artificially inseminating your cows. Bulls are generally suitable for breeders who have more than 25 cows available.
- Buy your cows no more than 150m away, as cows raised further away may not be suitable for your area. However, there are exceptions.
Warnings
- If you want to start with a herd a little larger than the five recommended cows, you can also try buying a bull. However, try to be careful when you are in the vicinity of this animal, as it could be dangerous and could challenge you if you have not yet asserted your dominance.
-
If you choose to buy heifers and not more experienced cows, remember that you may have to wait 2 years or more before you can sell the calves. Heifers are more fun to breed as they have no experience with motherhood and sometimes even reject calves. They also tend to be very protective of puppies and could destroy your fences trying to rejoin their own offspring.
Keep these points in mind if you want to buy heifers and not older cows
