Cattle are often one of the most desired animals that ranchers and homesteaders want to raise as their livestock, but ensuring they have all the care and attention they need can be difficult. Providing adequate space, building an infrastructure, keeping them from wandering away, and ensuring their meals are nutritious are but some of the different considerations to make when raising cattle. Here are a few considerations to start with.
Hay Feeders
Like all living things, cattle need to eat well and right in order to grow strong and healthy so that they can provide quality beef, milk, or offspring. While it may be tempting to simply place the hay on the ground for the cattle to eat, this opens up the possibility of contaminants, germs, and dirt getting into their food. Choose a hay feeder for your cattle that will ensure they have a clean and safe place to eat so that they retain more nutritional value and better preserve your hay.
Cattle Guards
While you don’t want your cattle to wander away when pasteurizing, you still need to move in and out of your property. Cattle guards are an elegant solution that allows you to move in and out without the hassle of a gate while still keeping your cattle contained. The uneven footing and pit below the bars of the cattle guard will make cows too nervous to try and cross because their depth perception works differently from ours.
Large Animal Veterinarians
An important consideration to make when raising cattle is who you’re going to call if one of your cows falls ill or is injured. Establish contact with a veterinarian capable of treating large animals before you get your cattle. Knowing who to call in an emergency will ensure your cattle are tended to as quickly as possible and help you establish a working relationship with the veterinarian of your choice.
Picking a Breed
The kind of cattle you’ll get will depend largely on your location. Different breeds of cows thrive and struggle in different climates, so you must always consider your environment before acquiring a new animal. For instance, Brahman cows thrive in hotter climates thanks to their sleek coats, while furry Highland cows have a preference for the cold thanks to their cozy coats of fur.