Albera cattle farming is less popular, and it is raised mainly in it’s native area. It is a beef cattle breed which is raised mainly for meat production purpose. It is relatively a smaller sized animal, but very suitable for meat production.
The Albera cattle is actually an endangered breed, indigenous to the Albera Massif, which divides Catalonia from France and lies partly in the comarca of Alt Emporda in the Catalan province of Girona, and partly in the comarca of Vallespir in the French département of Pyrénées-Orientales.
Today, the breed is listed as endangered. Total population of the breed was recorded as 763 at the end of 2014. The presence of a breed of cattle was noted in the Albera Massif in the nineteenth Century, and the first description of the Albera cattle dates from 1957.
The Albera cattle are very hardy and are highly resistant to cold and also susceptible to heat. And they are well adapted to the steep terrain of the massif. So, starting Albera cattle farming will be a good business idea. And at the same time you can help this breed to recover it’s population.
How to Start Albera Cattle Farming
The Albera cattle are very strong and hardy animals. So, starting commercial Albera cattle farming business will be relatively easy. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Albera cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
First of all, you have to purchase good quality, healthy and diseases free animals for starting your Albera cattle farming business. Purchasing good quality animals is very important, because good quality animals ensure good production and maximum profits.
You can purchase the animals from any of your nearest livestock market where Albera cattle are available. Or you can also consider searching any existing Albera cattle farms. Just ensure that the animals are strong and healthy.
Housing
Arranging a good, comfortable and secure housing system for animal is important for Albera cattle farming business. Because a good house not only help the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay productive and also stay free from all types of wild predators and adverse weather conditions.
Depending on your budget and availability of materials, the type of the house can be any. It can be of full concrete setup, or you can build the house with low cost and easily available materials. You have to ensure that the house is secure and comfortable for the animals.
The Albera cattle are smaller sized animals. So, they will require relatively less space. Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean it. Install good ventilation system inside the house, and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Albera cattle farming business. Because good food not only help the animals to stay healthy, but also help them to grow better and produce more.
The Albera cattle are raised mainly for meat production purpose. So they will require more concentrated feeds than green feeds. Silage is a good option for feeding your animals during the dry season.
The Albera cattle require lots of drinking water daily, just like many other domestic cattle breeds. So, provide them with adequate clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Breeding
The Albera cattle are naturally very good breeders like many other domestic cattle breeds. They will breed easily if you keep good ratio of bulls and cows in your herd. You can also consider artificial insemination method for breeding your animals if you want to avoid raising bulls.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is the key to successful Albera cattle farming business. De-worm and vaccinate your animals timely. And always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing cattle products is not a problem. The Albera cattle are raised mainly for meat production purpose. So you will probably be able to easily sell your products in the local market. Although, you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Albera cattle farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!