Afrikaner cattle farming is common and popular in it’s native area. The breed is also known as Africander and it is a meat cattle breed. And the breed is raised mainly for meat production purpose in it’s native area.
The Afrikaner cattle are indigenous to South Africa. Huge herds of this type of cattle were herded by the Khoikhoi when the Dutch established the Cape Colony in 1652. The ancestors of this breed are believed to originated on the Asian Steppes, before migrating into Africa about 2000 years ago.
The Afrikaner cattle are a very old breed of domestic cattle. They share coancestry with the Nguni and Drakensberger cattle breeds (and they most likely diverged 655-960 years ago).
Total population of the Afrikaner cattle breed became very less, and they almost became extinct in the early 20th Century. The first Afrikaner studbook was formed in 1912 in South Africa in order to control the breed’s development. Although, a high degree of inbreeding occurred at present time mainly due to the recently depleted numbers of this animals.
The Afrikaner cattle were the most abundant breed of cattle in South Africa, until the 1970s. But their popularity decreased among the local farmers due to the problems associated with lowered fertility, inbreeding and decreased reproductive period in the cows (other reasons for decreasing their population include crossbreeding with exotic breeds and also the introduction of the Brahman cattle to Southern Africa).
Today, the Afrikaner cattle breed is distributed mainly in South Africa, and also available in Australia and Zimbabwe. However, commercial Afrikaner cattle farming can be a good business if you can manage everything perfectly.
How to Start Afrikaner Cattle Farming
Starting Afrikaner cattle farming is just like starting a cattle farming business with any other domestic cattle breeds. The Afrikaner cattle are very strong and hardy animals and they are well adapted to their local environments.
So starting commercial Afrikaner cattle farming business in South Africa will be easy. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Afrikaner cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
Before starting Afrikaner cattle farming business, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy and diseases free animals.
You can purchase the animals from any of your nearest livestock market or any existing Afrikaner cattle farms in your area. Consult with an expert in your area before purchasing animals.
Housing
Making a good housing system for your animals is important. Because a good house not only help the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay productive and also keep them free from all types of wild predators and adverse weather conditions.
The exact type of the house can be any depending on the availability of the materials in your area and also on your budget. The house can be of full concrete setup, or it can be made of easily available and low cost materials (such as bamboo or wood). Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable for the animals.
The Afrikaner cattle are classed as a medium to large sized animal. So they will require more housing space. Make their house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Afrikaner cattle farming business. Because good food not only helps them to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more.
The Afrikaner cattle are raised mainly for meat production purpose. So, they will require more concentrated feeds than green or other types of food. Silage can be a good option along with concentrated feeds.
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Afrikaner cattle also require lots of water daily. So, provide them with sufficient amount of clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Breeding
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Afrikaner cattle are naturally very good breeders. Just keeping good ratio of bulls and cows will be enough for good breeding results. You can also consider artificial insemination method for breeding purpose.
Caring
Taking extra care of your animals is the key to successful Afrikaner cattle farming business. Taking extra care of the animals will ensure good growth and good production of your animals. 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. Because cattle meat has 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 Afrikaner cattle farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
