How to Raise Cattle: Basic Points for Beginners on Choosing Cattle, Feeding and Disease Prevention

Cattle raising is a common livestock production activity, covering different directions such as beef cattle fattening, dairy cattle rearing and draft cattle for work. For beginners, the purpose of raising cattle must be clarified before starting, because beef cattle and dairy cattle differ considerably in breed selection, feed formulation and management methods; only with a clear goal can you avoid detours.

Site selection is the first step in raising cattle. The cattle shed should be built on higher ground with good drainage, ventilation and sunshine, and at the same time be far from residential areas and water sources, to facilitate manure treatment and daily disease prevention. Keep the interior of the shed dry and clean, leave enough space for activity, pay attention to warmth in winter, and do a good job of heat prevention and cooling in summer.

In terms of breeds, there are local breeds in China such as yellow cattle and water buffalo, as well as introduced beef breeds such as Simmental and Angus, and dairy breeds such as Holstein. When selecting breeds, make a comprehensive consideration based on the local climate, feed resources and sales channels, and give priority to individuals with a robust physique and good spirits.

In daily feeding, cattle are ruminants, so roughage should be the main feed, with green grass, hay and straw combined with an appropriate amount of concentrate, feeding at fixed times and in fixed amounts, feeding less but more often, and ensuring sufficient clean drinking water. In terms of disease prevention, vaccinate according to the schedule and deworm regularly, observe the cattle's feeding and manure conditions every day, and isolate and handle them promptly when abnormalities are found.

Regarding common problems, beginners easily overlook shed humidity and feed mold, and these two points often cause digestive tract and hoof diseases. As long as the basic work in the three aspects of site, feed and disease prevention is done solidly, and experience is gradually accumulated, cattle raising can obtain relatively stable returns.