Blaarkop cattle farming is common, especially in it’s native area. It is a dairy cattle breed and raised mainly for milk production purpose. The breed is also known by some other names such as Groninger Blaarkop or Gronings Blaarkop (Dutch), Groninger (German), Groningue (French), Roodblaar, Roodwitkop, Zwartblaar and Zwartwitkop.
The Blaarkop cattle breed was originated from Netherlands. Main breeding area of the breed is Groningen province of Netherlands. It is an old breed, and it has been mentioned as early as the 14th Century.
Their ancestry may be traced to the Middle Ages. There are also Blaarkoppen in the Utrecht and Leiden regions from the 19th Century. And today the breed is pretty popular in it’s native area.
The Blaarkop cattle are very good milk producers. The cows on average can produce about 6,000 kg of milk per lactation. Their milk is of very good quality containing about 4.35% of butterfat content and about 3.6% of protein.
And total milk yields of these animals have increased through modern selective breeding practices and crossbreeding with Holstein and Angeln cattle. But their milk production is still lower than those of other high yielding Dutch cattle breeds.
However, as these animals are good for milk production, so starting commercial Blaarkop cattle farming will be a profitable business. You can start this business if you can market cattle products easily in your area.
How to Start Blaarkop Cattle Farming
The Blaarkop cattle are very strong and hardy animals. They are well adapted to their local climates. So, starting commercial Blaarkop cattle farming is relatively easy and simple.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Blaarkop cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy, active and diseases free animals for starting your Blaarkop cattle farming business. Purchasing good quality animals is very important, because good quality animals always ensure good production and maximum profits.
You can purchase the animals from any of your nearest livestock market, or any existing Blaarkop cattle farms (if there are any) in your area. Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, healthy, diseases free and active.
Housing
Making a good housing system with all required facilities is very important for Blaarkop cattle farming business. Because a good house not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from wild predators and adverse weather conditions.
The type of your cattle housing system can be any depending on your budget and also on the availability of building materials in your area. You can either build a simple house or it can be of full concrete setup. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable for your animals.
The Blaarkop cattle are classified as a medium sized animals. So they will require moderate amount of space inside their house. Ensure enough housing space is available inside their house 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 try to clean the house regularly.
Feeding
This is the most important part of commercial Blaarkop cattle farming business. Because, good food not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more. So, always try to provide your animals with enough good and nutritious food.
The Blaarkop cattle are dairy cattle breed. So, they will require more greens in their diet than grains. So, ensure adequate greens are available as per their demand. You can also consider feeding your animals with silage, especially during the dry season.
Like many other domestic animals, the Blaarkop cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily. So, always try to provide your animals with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Never provide them with polluted water or contaminated feeds.
Breeding
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Blaarkop cattle are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily if you keep good ratio of cows and bulls in your herd.
You an also consider artificial insemination method, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of raising bull.
Caring
Taking good care of your animals is the key to successful Blaarkop 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 your animals timely. And always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing cattle products is not a problem. Especially, cattle milk has very good demand and value in the market. Probably 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 Blaarkop cattle farming business. Raising Blaarkop cattle is very easy, even the beginners can raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
