Charolais cattle farming is pretty common and popular in it’s native area and also in some other countries. It is a beef cattle breed which is raised mainly for meat production purpose. But the breed is also good for using as a draught animal.
The Charolais cattle breed is actually from the Charolais area surrounding Charolles, in Burgundy, in the Eastern France. Today, the breed is raised mainly for meat production, but it was previously used as a draught animal.
The Charolais cattle breed has introduced to many countries around the world, and may be crossed with other cattle breeds, including the Angus and Hereford cattle. The Charbray is a cross-breed with Brahmans and it is recognized as a separate breed in some countries.
The Charolais cattle breed was introduced to the southern United States from Mexico, in 1946. Then later it was introduced in the northern New England states from Canada in 1965.
Today, the Charolais cattle are the second most common cattle breed in France after the Holstein and the most common beef cattle breed of the Limousin. As of Dec. 31, 2014, there were about 4.22 million head of the breed in France.
The breed is also available in many other countries outside it’s native area. And total world population of this breed is estimated at about 730,000. Currently largest population of the breed are reported from the Czech Republic and Mexico.
However, as these animals are very popular and good for meat production, so starting commercial Charolais cattle farming will be a good and profitable business. Especially, if you can market your products easily in your area.
How to Start Charolais Cattle Farming
The Charolais cattle are extremely hardy and strong animals with excellent maternal qualities. They are well adapted to their native climates, and also do well in some other agro-climatic conditions. So, starting Charolais cattle farming business will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Charolais cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, strong, healthy and diseases free animals for starting your Charolais 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 also purchase the animals from any of your nearest Charolais cattle farms (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, strong, healthy and active.
Housing
Making a good housing system for your cattle with all required facilities is another important part of Charolais 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.
Exact type of your cattle housing system can be any depending on your budget and also on the availability of building materials in your area. The house can be of full concrete setup or it can made simply of easily available and low cost materials. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable for the animals.
The Charolais cattle are classified as a large sized animal. So, they will require relatively much space inside their house, as compared to many other domestic cattle breeds. Ensure availability of adequate space inside their house depending on the number of your animals.
Good ventilation system is a must for raising Charolais cattle. So, install good ventilation system, and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. And clean the house on a regular basis.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with very good quality, healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Charolais 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 Charolais cattle are beef cattle breed. So, they will require more grains in their diet than greens. You can also consider feeding your animals with silage, especially during the dry season.
Like many other domestic animals, the Charolais cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily. Ensure availability of adequate amount of fresh and clean drinking water as per their demand. Never provide them with contaminated feeds of polluted water.
Breeding
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Charolais cattle are also 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.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is the most important part of Charolais cattle farming business. Because good caring not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better 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 cattle products already 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 ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Charolais cattle farming business. Raising Charolais cattle is very easy, even the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
