Ankole-Watusi cattle farming is pretty popular, especially in it’s native area. It is a multi-purpose breed of domestic cattle which is raised and valued for show, draught, meat and milk production purpose.
The Ankole-Watusi cattle is a landrace breed, a type of Sanga cattle and originally native to East Africa. It is also known as Ankole Longhorn, and also sometimes known simply as Ankole or Watusi.
Ankole-Watusi cattle is actually an ancient breed, and ancient rock paintings and depictions of these animals have been observed in the Sahara region and in the Egyptian arts and pyramid walls.
The Sanga breed has spread to the Sudan, Uganda, Kenya and some other parts of Eastern Africa, becoming the base stock of the indigenous African cattle populations. It has most of the usual Zebu characteristics such as the pendulous dewlap and sheath, hump of variable size and the upturned horns.
The Ankole-Watusi cattle have played a very important role in the lives of various African tribes such as Tutsi, Kivu, Bakiga, Bashi, Bahima and Ankole. These animals provided currency, food and tribal status to the people of these tribes.
However, as these animals are multi-purpose, so starting commercial Ankole-Watusi cattle farming business will be profitable. If you can market cattle products in your area easily, then you can start commercial Ankole-Watusi cattle farming business.
How to Start Ankole-Watusi Cattle Farming
The Ankole-Watusi cattle are very strong and hardy animals. And they are well adapted to their local climates. So, starting commercial Ankole-Watusi cattle farming business will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Ankole-Watusi cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality animals for starting your Ankole-Watusi cattle farming business. Purchasing good quality animals is important, because good quality animals always ensure good production and maximum profits.
So, try to purchase very good quality, healthy, active and diseases free animals for starting your Ankole-Watusi cattle farming business. You can purchase the animals from any of your nearest livestock market or any existing Ankole-Watusi cattle farms (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, healthy, strong and active.
Housing
Arranging a good housing system with all required facilities is another important part of Ankole-Watusi 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 the house 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 you can build the house with low cost and easily available materials. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable for the animals.
The Ankole-Watusi cattle are classed as a medium sized breed. So they will require adequate space inside the house. You have to ensure enough space inside the house depending on the number of animals.
Try to make the 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 Ankole-Watusi 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, ensure adequate nutritious food for your animals.
The Ankole-Watusi cattle are multi-purpose animals. So, they will require both greens and grains in their diet. So, ensure both grains and greens in their diet. You can consider feeding your animals with silage, especially during the dry periods.
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Ankole-Watusi cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily. So, provide your animals with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Never feed them with polluted water or contaminated feeds.
Breeding
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Ankole-Watusi cattle are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily if you keep good ratio of bulls and cows in your flock. You can also consider artificial insemination for breeding your animals.
Caring
Taking good care of your animals is the key to successful Ankole-Watusi cattle farming business. Because good caring ensures good health and good growth of the animals.
So, always try to take good care of the 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. Because cattle products already 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 ways and steps for starting and operating your Ankole-Watusi cattle farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
