Table of Contents:
How to Raise Cattle on Small Acreage?
You might be worried about not having enough space on your farm to raise cattle.
You can indeed raise cattle on your small farmland. Before you get too excited about this wonderful news, let me ask: “Why would you like to raise cattle?”
This question will give you an answer that will assist you in planning. Cattle farming can be both a rewarding and challenging venture. Cow farmers can use different purposes, so it is essential to state your goals clearly. Feeding, and other factors.
It is essential to understand that the methods used for raising beef and milk cows are different. Many factors affect the feeding and care of both types of cows. Beef cows (or beef cows) are cows that have been raised to live without much management and can also raise calves. Dairy cows, on the other hand, are raised to produce milk but no calves.
Cattle are raised for their meat, veal, or milk. They also make leather hides. Cattle can also be raised as draft animals, oxen, bullocks, or riding animals. They pull ploughs, carts, and other farm implements.
As fuel or manure, dung from cattle is useful. Some races, e.g., Indians consider cattle to be a sacred animals.
This post will highlight all that goes into raising cattle. It also includes information about how to raise cattle. The post then reviewed and explained the essential equipment to help with cow farming. Continue reading to learn more.
Must-read book:
How to raise Cattle on a Small Acreage?
Raising cattle requires certain essential factors, as we have already mentioned. These factors will decide if your project is successful or not. Anyone who wants to raise cattle on a small farm should consider the following.
Space
Space is an essential element in cattle raising. Space is necessary for raising cattle. Space does not necessarily refer to a large area of land. This land space is excellent for ranching.
You have two options for homestead cattle farms: either you can raise your cows in a feedlot or graze them on pasture.
The homesteader will provide all the feed and other necessities for the cows. If you’re considering grazing, 2 acres would be ideal.
You can fence the area and divide it into two because cattle activities can cause damage to the land. This will allow you to move cattle from one side to another and allow the land to recover.
Because cows are large and heavy, having too many on a farm could cause damage to the land. We recommend starting with a few cows to get the best results. This will make it easy to manage and control the animals.
Feeding
Cows can eat a lot, so it is important to plan their nutrition. You can provide for them by supplying hay in bales, so they can eat when the grasses get scarce. If you have pasture on your farm, you’re good to go. To ensure that the cows are getting the right food, inspect the grasses.
Ensure that your animals don’t overeat alfalfa grass (protein-rich plants) to avoid bloating. To ensure that animals receive all nutrients and dietary supplements, you should create a feeding plan.
Because a cow can consume an average of 12 to 20 gallons per day, water must be available in large quantities. To keep your cow hydrated, ensure that you have water available at all times.
Fencing
Cattle cannot be raised without being contained. However, unlike goats and pigs who can escape, they can still roam. Your animals could wander around if you don’t have a good fence system. This can prove to be dangerous. Because cows love to push fences during grazing, it is essential that the fencing is adequate.
Keep your fence strong with reinforced strands made of electric wires. Regularly inspect the fence for damage and repair any that are missing. If you electrify fences, you won’t have to keep fixing them.
Additionally, electrified fencing keeps your cattle in and prevents stray animals carrying diseases from entering your farm.
Additionally, electrified fencing protects your cattle from attacks by carnivorous animals such as wolves and foxes.
Safety
Every factory has a sign that says “Safety first”. It is prominently displayed at strategic locations. This is also true for homesteaders who are planning to raise cows. You must ensure that you are always thinking about your safety and the safety of your animals. Plan everything – cows are large and must be respected.
During feeding, be careful and watch your every move. If you don’t take precautions, they can quickly react and cause serious injury.
Cattle Shelter
You must also provide shelter for cattle so they can rest and hide from the elements. The shelter will be an asset to your animals as cows are more interested in adapting to changing weather than gaining weight. You can make sure they are comfortable by providing shelter.
Manure Management
When you consider raising cows, think about what you would do to the manure from your cattle. The dung that cattle excrete is large, and they consume a lot of feed. Did you know that cow dung can smell very strong? It can be difficult to compost cow dungs on your property if neighbors don’t like it.
It is excellent manure, and it can be composted. Before you decide what to do about the manure, make sure that you have checked the regulations in your area. If you decide to compost the manure, you must ensure that the animals are not allowed to bury close to any grasses.
Parasite Control
Cattle are at great risk from parasites. We have tightened our control. Cattle also excrete dung while they graze. Parasites can live in the dungs and get into nearby pastures. The parasite can be transmitted to animals that eat the pasture. To control parasites easily, rotate animals from one area of grazing to another.
The animals must be moved from one area to which they are grazing. This allows the pastures and dung to rest, and the parasites that live in them to die before the cows can return there. You should establish a timetable for parasite control that covers both external parasites (e.g., tick, lice, etc. and internal parasites e.g., Worms)
Breed
It would help if you considered the breed when raising cattle on a small farm. Different breeds respond differently to various conditions. Brahmas cows, for example, are not as good in colder climates as other breeds. Therefore, it is essential to choose cattle that can withstand cold temperatures for your cattle-raising business to be profitable.
You should also know that some breeds are larger than others. Therefore, you can get miniature breeds to help your small farm. Different breeds are helpful for various purposes. Know your purpose before you buy the cows. If you are raising cattle for meat, then you might consider raising Angus’s calves.
Cost
It isn’t easy to estimate the cost of raising cattle because prices vary depending on where you live. Although raising cattle is not cheap, the satisfaction of doing so should be considered a trade-off. You should be prepared for any unexpected expenses that might arise in the future. The fund can be helpful during times of illness or outbreaks of disease, which you can’t predict.
Must-read:
What You Need To Raise Cattle?
Every homesteader should be aware of the many aspects involved in raising cattle. Cattle require the best care possible. Otherwise, raising them would be a disaster. These are some useful items to help you raise healthy cows.
Premier PoultryNet Plus – White, Double Spike, 48″ H x 100’L
This 48″ prefabricated electrifiable fence is designed to keep your cattle in. It can be used to deter bears, raccoons, and rabbits as well as skunks.
You can also keep your chickens, sheep, goats, and guard dogs safe. The net is equipped with line posts of 15mm every 6.8 feet, which helps reduce sagging. The line posts allow it to adapt to curves, dips, and rises.
Patriot PE2 Electric Fence Energizer and 250-Feet Made in USA 17 Gauge Spil Aluminum Wire.
The energizer and aluminum wire keep pets safe while keeping them from becoming annoying. Low impedance energizers can supply power up to 110 volt AC plug, 0.10 Joule models, even through the undergrowth. Patriot PE2 includes an LED indicator that lights up when the energizer is on.
Zareba ESP10MZ 10-Mile Solar Low-Impedance Electric Fence Charger
One problem is common to remote homesteads: power. Zareba Solar energizer is a solution to this problem. It has a 0.15 output joule of energy and is best for animals with short hair, such as horses, cattle, and pigs. It comes with a sturdy case and a solar panel to store power for your fence for up to 2 weeks.
Zareba Save Money on Your Electric Bill. Order Now on Amazon
TruCare 4 Top Dress Trace Mineral Mix for Livestock: Beef Cattle and Dairy Cattle. Deer, Elk, Goats (Zinc. Manganese. Copper. Cobalt).
TruCare mineral mix is the best choice for your cattle’s well-being and health. TruCare mineral blend contains essential bioavailable Trace minerals that help your animal feed well and develop healthy skin, coat, and hoofs. TruCare provides digestive support for your cattle and livestock. It also improves reproduction and promotes strong bones, joints, and other health benefits.
TubTrug SP260 Medium Orange Flex Tub 26 Liter
TubTrug is made from 100% food-grade plastic, making it suitable for everyone. TubTrug’s sun-proof and frost-proof properties make it more durable in sun and frosty environments.
The handles are extremely strong and will not come apart during handling. It is helpful for many different tasks on and off the farm. It can hold 26 Liters (6.9 Gallons) and is easier to use than standard tubs or buckets.
Safe-Guard Dewormer Spray for Beef, Dairy Cattle, and Goats, 100ml
If not treated promptly, worms can pose a danger to your animal. Safe-Guard Dewormer can be used to deworm farm animals and keep them healthy. You can get rid of hookworm, whipworms, roundworms, and other worms. It can be used to treat your pet or cattle as eradication or preventive drug.
VS-660 Electronic Livestock Scanners for Veterinary Animals-like Dogs, Calfs, Hogs, Pigs, Sheep, etc. 4H 43″x20″ Stainless Steel Cover Rubber Mat
The electronic scale can withstand 660 pounds and has a sensitivity of 0.2 lbs. The electronic scale comes with a 43″x20″ stainless steel cover rubber mat that makes weighing simple. The indicator has a large, easy-to-read digital display in kilograms or pounds.
The lock-on feature eliminates animal movement during weighing and averages the animal’s weight. It can run on either 120v AC power or batteries.
Magrath Hotshot Prod
The Magrath Hot Shot Prod can make it difficult to move your livestock efficiently and effectively. It is made from tough, high-impact plastic and has a flexible shaft. It is efficient at conducting the electric current and has a long life span.
The Magrath prod has been a market leader for over 40 years, both in the US and internationally. It is durable because it doesn’t have moving parts that can wear out or be changed.
Care Tips in a Nutshell
These are some tips that every homesteader who plans to raise cattle needs to know:
- It would help if you planned the feeding of your cows well. They eat a lot and can even eat all the grazing pastures you depend on. You should have a separate fund to purchase pales of hay for special occasions.
- Don’t overcrowd your property. It will cause stress and weight loss.
- If you want to raise bulls, don’t.
- You can either arrange with a neighbor or choose artificial insemination.
- If your pastures or feed does not meet the dietary requirements, you can add vitamins and minerals.
- You can monitor your cow’s health every day and learn from its behavior.
- Perform a routine deworming on your cattle. Check with your vet for more information.
- To help you administer drugs to your pet or keep them away from the vet, install a restraint.
- To ensure that animals are hydrated, have a backup plan in case of drought.
- Spray fly repellent on your cattle to keep them away.
- To keep wild animals from spreading diseases, electrify your fence. This will keep your cows safe and also prevent stray animals and carnivores from entering your property.
- You can mix grains into their food and use this to calm them when they are trying to move or do other things.
- Remember to keep track of dates and records.
Must-read:
FAQs: How to raise beef cattle on small acreage
Q: Which feed options are available to my cattle?
A: Cows can eat a variety of food sources, including grass, alfalfa, and hay. Cows require energy from food such as grains. They typically consume 24 pounds (mostly hay) of food per day.
Q: What amount of grains should I give my cow daily?
A: While there is no set rule regarding the feeding of grains to cows, it is recommended that they be fed about 2.5% of their body weight per day.
Q: Do I need cowsheds? If yes, how big should it be?
A: You need a cowshed. It protects your cattle from harsh elements. Animals that are left out in the elements can become stressed and need to develop the ability to deal with heat. A cow needs between 20 and 30 square feet of space, so make sure you measure it.
Q: How many gallons of milk does a cow produce in one day?
A: Although the milk capacity produced each day depends on many factors, a healthy milk cow can produce approximately eight gallons (30 L) of milk per day.
Q: What should I feed my cows in winter when there are no pastures?
A: You can feed them silage or hay during winter. You can feed them grains only if they are in poor health or extremely cold and wet. During winter, make sure to give your cows plenty of water as well as a free-choice mineral mixture.
Q: Other than buying a bull, what other ways can I make calves from my cows?
A: Artificial insemination is possible. This is an easy and cost-effective method to breed cattle without having to invest in bulls. You can either attend a class or speak to an expert breeder about the subject.
Q: How much beef can I get from a single market animal?
A: It depends on several factors, including the size of the calf, the breed, and body composition. Many beef breeds produce between 1,200 and 1,400 pounds of meat.
Q: What is the daily weight gain of my cattle?
A: Daily gains depend on your age, diet, and environment. An average daily gain of 3 pounds will be the norm.
Last Thoughts [raising cattle on small acreage]
Homesteaders who are new to raising cows can find it rewarding and worthwhile. Using the information above, you are now ready to take the first steps towards raising cattle on your land.
You should also check with your local authorities as environmental factors can significantly impact the health of your cattle. These tips are essential, and you should not overlook any other information that could be used to harm your cattle farming.
Start small to avoid becoming overwhelmed by your cattle. You now know to make your plans and share your experiences with others. [learn more]
All the best!
Why choose us?
Elliotthomestead.com is always looking for new topics to help you build your homestead. We will deliver high-quality articles that stand the test of age. You have committed to us to deliver high-quality articles every time you visit our site.
We are grateful for your time and willingness to share this post with others. We are always interested in hearing from you. Please leave comments, and we will get back to you.
Thanks.
See Also:
Great stuff
I can’t tell you enough how grateful I am with this informative post. I have been searching everywhere for comprehensive info on how to include cattle rearing in my stead even though I kind of lack big space on the farm.
This has been a really helpful and eye-opening post. Thank you so much for making things simpler for me.
Wow.. I just learned some cool facts about cows. I never knew that the method of rearing cows differs based on what you need them for. I will always assume that those that produce milk can also have calves. This is an interesting point and I’ll note this down for when I will begin my own cattle rearing. Very soon probably … Lol