Armorican cattle farming is less popular, even in it’s native area. Because it is a pretty rare breed of domestic cattle. It is a dual-purpose breed which is raised for both meat and milk production purposes.
The Armorican cattle is actually an endangered breed from France and known as French:Armoricaine. It was actually originated in Brittany in the 19th Century by cross-breeding animals of the local Froment du Léon and the now-extinct Pie Rouge de Carhaix breeds with imported Shorthorn stock from the United Kingdom.
The name of the breed ‘Armoricaine’ came into use in 1923, and a herdbook for the breed started in 1919. The Armorican cattle breed was used with Meuse-Rhine-Issel and Rotbunt stock, in the creation of the Pie Rouge des Plaines dairy cattle breed in the 1960s.
Today, the Armorican cattle breed is pretty rare, and it was listed by the FAO as ‘critically endangered’ in the year of 2007. Total population of the breed was estimated at about 240 head in 2005, and was 263 in 2014. Currently the breed is mainly distributed in Brittany area of France.
However, as these animals are dual-purpose, so starting commercial Armorican cattle farming will be a profitable business. At the same time, you will be able to help this breed to recover it’s population.
How to Start Armorican Cattle Farming
The Armorican cattle are relatively strong and hardy animals, just like many other domestic cattle breeds. So, starting commercial Armorican cattle farming business will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Armorican 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 Armorican 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 consider searching any existing Armorican cattle farms in your area. Just ensure that the animals are strong, healthy and active.
Housing
Making a very good, secure and comfortable housing system for your animals is very important part of Armorican cattle farming business. Because, a good and comfortable housing system not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from adverse weather conditions and wild predators.
Exact type of the house can be any depending on your budget, and also on the availability of building materials in your area. You can build the house with low cost and easily available materials, or it can be of full concrete setup. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable for the animals.
The Armorican cattle are classified as medium sized animals. So, they will require more housing space than the smaller sized animals. Ensure adequate space is available inside the house depending on the number of your 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 Armorican cattle farming business. Because good and nutritious food not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more.
The Armorican cattle are dual-purpose animals, so they will require both grains and greens in their diet. You can also consider feeding the animals with silage, especially during the dry season.
Like many other domestic animals, the Armorican 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 provide them with contaminated feeds or polluted water.
Breeding
The Armorican 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 for breeding your animals.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is another important part of Armorican cattle farming business. Because good caring always ensure good health and good growth of the animals.
So, always try to take good care of your animals. Always de-worm and vaccinate them timely, and try to 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 steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Armorican cattle farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
