Belgian Red cattle farming is not much popular. It is raised especially in it’s native area and some other neighboring countries. The Belgian Red is actually a multi-purpose cattle breed. And it is mainly raised for both meat and milk production purposes.
The Belgian Red cattle breed was developed in the West Flanders region of Belgium. Total numbers of these animal is less and currently the breed is considered in danger of extinction.
The breed is also known by some other names such as Red Flemish, West Flemish, West Flemish Red, Rood ras van België (Flemish) and Rouge de Belgique (French).
The Belgian Red cattle breed was actually developed from the local cattle breeds, Cassel and Veurne-Ambacht of the region. The original breeds nearly came into extinction during the First World War in Belgium.
Pasture of West Flanders were turned into battlefields during the war which practically eradicated the total population of the breed.
And after the war, the breeders came together in cooperation to form a new breed of cattle which was called the West Flemish. And the first stud book for the Belgian Red cattle breed was introduced in 1920.
Currently, the Belgian Red cattle breed is found throughout West Flanders and constitutes about 7% of the Belgian national herd. Total population of the breed were about 50,000 in 1986. But their population decreased rapidly and there were only 100 cows left in the world in 2001. And today, the breed is considered in danger of extinction.
However, as these animals are good for meat and milk production purposes, so starting commercial Belgian Red cattle farming will be a good and profitable business. At the same time you can help this breed to recover it’s total population.
How to Start Belgian Red Cattle Farming
Starting commercial Belgian Red cattle farming is just like starting a cattle farming business with any other domestic cattle breeds. The Belgian Red cattle are very strong and hardy animals, and they are well adapted to their local environment. They are able to do well in many other climatic conditions.
So, starting commercial Belgian Red cattle farming will be easy. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Belgian Red cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
Purchasing very good quality, healthy and diseases free animals is very important for starting your Belgian Red cattle farming business. Because good quality and healthy animals always ensure good production and maximum profits.
So, try to purchase very good quality, healthy, active and diseases free animals. You can purchase the animals from any of your nearest livestock market or any existing Belgian Red cattle farms in your area (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, healthy, active and diseases free.
Housing
Arranging a good, secure and comfortable housing system is very important for commercial Belgian Red cattle farming business. Because a good house not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from adverse weather conditions and wild predators.
The type of your cattle housing system can be any depending on your budget and also on the availability of building materials. It can be either a simple house or a concrete house depending on your budget. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable for the animals.
The Belgian Red cattle are classified as larger sized animals. So, they will require more housing space than regular sized animals. Ensure adequate space is available per animal depending on the number of your animals.
Install good ventilation system inside the house, and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. Try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. And clean the house regularly.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with very good quality, healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Belgian Red cattle farming business. Because good food not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more.
The Belgian Red cattle are dual-purpose animals. So, they will require a combination of both greens and grains. You can also consider feeding your animals with silage, especially during the dry season.
The Belgian Red cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water, like many other domestic cattle breeds. So, always try to provide your animals with adequate clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. And never provide them with polluted water or contaminated feeds.
Breeding
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Belgian Red cattle are naturally very good breeders. 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 cows, if you want to avoid raising bulls.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is the key to successful Belgian Red cattle farming business. Good caring helps the animals to stay healthy and produce more. So, always try to take good care of your animals. Vaccinate and de-worm them timely, and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing cattle products is not a problem. Because both meat and milk of cattle have very good demand and value in the market. Hope you will 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 Belgian Red cattle farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
