Braunvieh cattle farming is pretty popular, especially in it’s native area. It is a multi-purpose breed and actually raised for many different purposes. The animals are used for meat and milk production, and also used as a draught animal.
Braunvieh is actually a group of breeds of domestic cattle originating in Switzerland and distributed throughout the Alpine region. It derives from the grey-brown mountain cattle which were raised from the medieval times in the Swiss Canton of Schwyz in Central Switzerland.
Documents from the late fourteenth Century at the Monastery of Einsiedeln record the export of such cattle to Vorarlberg, which is now part of Austria. Currently the breed is raised mainly as a beef cattle breed.
A description from 1795 of Schwyzer cattle calls them them the largest and finest of the country. First known herdbook for the Braunvieh cattle was established within 1775 to 1782. The breed was shown at the International Exhibition of 1862 in London, and at the Exposition Universelle of 1855 in Paris.
The Braunvieh cattle is also known by some other names. It is known as Brown cattle and as Bruna Italiana Vecchio Ceppo in Italy. The breed was exported to the United States in around 1870 and was exclusively breed for milk production. The modern American Brown Swiss breed was developed from this breed.
However, as these animals are good for both meat and milk production, so starting commercial Braunvieh cattle farming will be a good and profitable business. Especially if you can market your products easily in the local market.
How to Start Braunvieh Cattle Farming
The Braunvieh cattle are very strong and hardy animals. They are well adapted to their local climates. So starting commercial Braunvieh cattle farming will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Braunvieh cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy, strong and diseases free animals for starting your Braunvieh 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 you can search your local Braunvieh cattle farms (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are strong, active and healthy.
Housing
Making good housing system is important for commercial Braunvieh cattle farming business. Because a good housing system not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from predators and adverse weather conditions.
Exact type of your cattle housing system can vary depending on your budget and also on the availability of building materials in your area. You can either build the house with low cost and easily available materials, or the house can be of full concrete setup. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable for the animals.
The Braunvieh cattle are classified as a large sized animal. So they will require more housing space than average sized cattle. So, ensure adequate space is available inside the house depending on the number of your animals.
Good ventilation system is a must. So, install good ventilation system inside the house. And ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light. Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. And try to clean the house regularly.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Braunvieh 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 good quality and nutritious food.
The Braunvieh cattle are multi-purpose animals. So, they will require both grains and greens in their diet. You can also consider feeding your animals with silage, especially during the dry season.
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Braunvieh cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily. So, ensure availability of sufficient amount of fresh and clean drinking water as per their demand. Never provide them with contaminated feeds or polluted water.
Breeding
The Braunvieh cattle are naturally very good breeders, just 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 cows.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is the most important part of Braunvieh cattle farming business. Because good caring helps the animals to stay healthy, grow better and produce more.
So, always try to take good care of your animals. Vaccinate and de-worm them timely. And always 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. 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 Braunvieh cattle farming business. Raising Braunvieh cattle is very easy, and the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
