Knowing how to properly care for livestock is important before you buy them. Caring for livestock is the same as raising cows, oxen, buffalo, and bulls. Before the animals reach your farm, create a field and cage that is appropriate for the size of the herd. then, start raising livestock directly by providing food, water, and health needs. For additional guidance and assistance, we recommend working with an experienced veterinarian.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Cattle Cages and Meals
Step 1. Provide at least 1 hectare of land per animal as grazing throughout the year
This is an estimate of the general minimum area required if you allow livestock to feed on grass on the ground all year round.
The wider the cattle field, the better because you have a “safety net” in case grass or drought problems arise
Step 2. Feed livestock if your land area is less than 1 hectare per animal
If you have a small area, you will need to provide additional feed for livestock. Consult a veterinarian about the amount of feed your herd will need throughout the year as this will vary per season.
- You can buy animal feed at a livestock supply store or even an online provider.
- Animal feed is usually a mixture of grains, such as jali-jali or wheat.
Step 3. Determine the number of paddock cages needed
There is no definite formula for knowing how to determine the size of a paddock pen and divide the cattle in it. Look at the livestock you have, and think about natural divisions, such as separating cows from buffalo. It's also a good idea to balance the herd so it's easier to rotate them between the paddock pens.
As a general rule, the smaller the paddock size, the more often you will need to rotate the cattle so as not to deplete the area's resources
Step 4. Design the paddock cage according to the contours and resources in the field
Once you know the size and rough number of paddock cages needed, look at your land map. Divide the land into several square-shaped paddock separated by a hallway between each. When mapping everything, try to share natural water features.
- Also, consider the location of any pits or watering stations. Ideally, livestock should not go up and down rough and uneven terrain to get water.
- Dividing shaded areas into separate paddock can also help minimize lawn damage. When congregating in shady areas, the herd tends to damage the surrounding grass so it's a good idea to isolate this activity to keep the lawn healthy.
Step 5. Create a temporary paddock cage using a fence
Since the design of the paddock is still being worked out, installing a polywire or polytape fence will allow you to customize it at a later time without difficulty. Use fiberglass or industrial plastic pegs and attach the fence between them at the height of the cow's head. An electric fence can add to the safety of your coop.
- The aisle that separates the paddock cages should be 5-6 meters wide. This size makes it easy for you to mow grass or move machinery between paddock cages. Place a layer of fine gravel in the hallway so it doesn't get too muddy.
- Install the gates in the corners and design them taking into account the rotation of the cattle between the paddock. Turn it into a permanent fence using rails and planks or steel dowels.
- If you plan to plant fresh grass in the paddock, do so at least 6 weeks before bringing in livestock. Alfafa, orchard grass, and white clover are good sources of nutrition for livestock.
Step 6. Rotate cattle between paddocks each day
If you put the whole herd in one paddock, all the grass will be eaten and the land will be damaged. So, it's best to move the herd 1-2 times a day to another paddock pen. Gather your cattle, open the connecting gates between the paddock, and lead the cattle to their new stables.
- For example, you need to protect a paddock cage that has less productive grass. You can rotate the cattle out of this pen more often.
- Adjust the frequency of your livestock rotation based on the season. In the summer, you will need to move the cattle more often to keep up with the growth rate of the grass.
Step 7. Ensure cattle have access to high ground or shelter
When extreme weather strikes, you can move your cattle to higher paddock pens so they can walk in the rain or muddy unscathed. You can also build barns or roofed areas for livestock, but these are fairly luxurious structures and not many ranchers have them.
- If you choose to keep your cattle in an enclosed area, handle the manure regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
- Check the floor of each cage to make sure it is non-slip. This will reduce the chance of injury to livestock, especially in wet conditions.
Method 2 of 3: Meeting Basic Needs
Step 1. Meet the needs of clean water for livestock
If a river or stream flows through the paddock, you can use it as a water source for livestock. You can build access slopes so that cows can drink easily without contaminating them. You can also use a siphon system to fill the water tank from the water source.
- Another alternative is to install an animal powered water pump. This pump is triggered by the nose of the cow pressing the lever in the water tank. Then, the water will be siphoned up automatically from the river to fill the tank.
- If you use pristine springs or rivers as a water source, be sure to clean them periodically to ensure they don't become contaminated and spread disease.
- As a general rule, cattle need 4-8 liters of drinking water per 45 kg of body weight. This means that you need at least 1 tank per paddock that is capable of holding the minimum amount of water the animals in the space need.
Step 2. Sufficient animal feed needs
Grassland cattle can survive mainly by eating grass. However, if your cattle are kept on dry land (dry-lot) or the weather is bad, you should provide additional feed in the form of wheat or hay. Consult a veterinarian regarding the type of wheat or hay that is suitable for livestock and the ideal amount.
- Use hay racks or clean feed containers in paddock pens or barns to feed livestock. If the animal feed is wet, throw it away immediately.
- Feeding livestock also helps build a positive relationship with you. The cattle will associate you with food and are easier to come when called.
Step 3. Provide salt intake
Cattle cannot store salt in their system, which means they need to consume it every day to stay healthy. Fill a fodder container with a fortified mineral salt mixture and place it near where the cattle sleep at night, either in the paddock or in the barn. In addition, place at least 1 rock salt and mineral mix block in each paddock cage.
- You can purchase this salt product at a livestock supply store or online through a livestock supply company.
- The standard rule is that a cow weighing 600-630 kg requires 35-45 grams of salt per day. If you have 100 cows, you need 24 kg of mineral salt bags per week.
- If your beef doesn't like the taste of the salt mixture, try mixing in some dry molasses for added flavor.
Step 4. Work with a veterinarian to monitor the health of your herd
He will be able to tell you what vaccinations your cattle need. Some vaccines may be self-administered, but others must be administered by a medical professional. You should also monitor dryland cattle very closely as they are more susceptible to diseases, such as pneumonia.
- Dry land (dry-lot) is a fenced area without grass. Most breeders rotate their livestock between dry land, grassy areas, and enclosed spaces. Dryland cattle often suffer from respiratory diseases due to dust in the air.
- Cattle vaccinations can help you protect your animals from diseases, such as blackfoot or Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD).
- Monitor buffalo health carefully during the breeding season as buffalo can injure each other when fighting over breeding rights.
Method 3 of 3: Handling Livestock Effectively
Step 1. Train cattle to respond to certain sounds
When you first see cattle, honk a car horn in a certain pattern, ring a cowbell, or shout a phrase or sound. You can also make this sound when feeding so that the cattle associate it with food. Continue the exercise until the cattle recognize the associated sound and respond to it.
- In some cases, the cattle will learn to respond to your call within a week. However, sometimes it may take longer, depending on the animal and your training method.
- The most effective training approaches combine consistency with immediate rewards, such as hay. For example, if you get to the coop at the same time each day, ring the bell, and offer hay when responding. Eventually the cattle will associate the sound of your bell with food.
Step 2. Treat livestock gently and without violence
Using electric tools can actually make livestock behave rudely. Similarly, whips also frighten livestock and make them distrust you. So it's best to encourage the cattle to move, pressing gently with a plastic spatula or the side of a broom.
- Paddles are usually ideal as they are wide and cattle can monitor them easily. If you move slowly and carefully, this technique can minimize the fear of livestock.
- Also, if you grip the cattle's tail, do so with care so you don't get hurt. Pulling and twisting the tail can cause it to break.
Step 3. Keep the cattle calm by pairing them
Since cattle are herd animals, they will fear being touched or moved alone. If you need to treat or examine animals, separate them from at least 2 other cows. Similarly, if you see a cow or buffalo being aggressive, it could be because it doesn't feel comfortable in a herd that is too small.
If you are handling cattle or young cattle, bring a few mature cows to keep them calm
Step 4. Use only the services of an experienced livestock sitter
If you have a lot of livestock or need extra help, try looking for a cattle sitter in your farming community. Look for someone who has handled livestock before and is used to taking good care of them. If you've already hired someone, take the time to observe them on the farm.
Ask your employees to continue their animal husbandry education by taking on-campus animal husbandry classes or even watching instructional videos online
Tips
- If you are still new to raising livestock, start small with only 1-2 livestock.
- Find a mentor if you are new to raising livestock. Contact a livestock doctor, dairy producer, breeder, or livestock industry professional.
Warning
- Owning a cow or buffalo is a long term commitment as some animals live up to 18 years. Be sure to consider it carefully before building your flock.
- Monitor your fence regularly to ensure there are no sharp edges or broken parts. Sharp parts in fences can hurt livestock and livestock can escape if any of the fences are broken.
