Ayrshire cattle farming is very popular, because it is a very common breed of domestic cattle. It is available in many countries and is able to perform in many climates. It is a dairy cattle breed which is raised mainly for milk production purpose.
The Ayrshire cattle breed originated in the county of Ayrshire in Scotland before 1800. During the development of this breed, it was referred to as Dunlop, later Cunningham, and finally, the Ayrshire.
Although the Ayrshire cattle are now native to Ayrshire, Scotland, many cattle historians believe the breed actually originated in Holland. They were crossbred with other cattle breed in 1750 (which led to their distinctive brown spots).
The Ayrshire cattle were recognized as a distinct breed by the Highland and Agricultural Society in 1814. Today many modern dairy farmers favor Ayrshire cattle because of their longevity, hardiness and easy calving.
The Ayrshire cattle were first brought to the United States in 1822, primarily to Connecticut and other parts of New England (the environment was similar to their native land of Scotland). And the American Ayrshire Breed Association was founded in 1875.
However, as these animals are good for milk production, so starting commercial Ayrshire cattle farming will be a profitable business. It’s very easy to raise Ayrshire cattle, even the beginners can also raise them.
How to Start Ayrshire Cattle Farming
The Ayrshire cattle are known for their hardiness and their ability to convert grass into milk efficiently. They are also known for their longevity and easy calving. So, starting commercial Ayrshire cattle farming will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Ayrshire 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 Ayrshire cattle farming business. Purchasing very 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 any of your nearest Ayrshire cattle farms (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, healthy and active.
Housing
Making a very good housing system for your animals is another important part of Ayrshire cattle farming business. Because a good house not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from adverse weather conditions and wild predators.
The type of the house can be any depending on your budget and also on the availability of housing materials in your area. It can be of full concrete setup, or you can build the house with low cost and easily available materials such as bamboo or wood. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable for the animals.
The Ayrshire cattle are classified as medium sized animals. So they will require relatively much space. So, ensure adequate space available inside the house depending on the number of your animals.
Install good ventilation system inside the house, and also ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. Try to make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. And try to clean the house on a regular basis.
Feeding
This is the most important part of Ayrshire cattle farming business. Because good foods 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 enough nutritious food.
The Ayrshire cattle are dairy cattle breed, and they are raised mainly for milk production purpose. They will require more greens in their diet. You can consider feeding them silage, especially during the dry season.
The Ayrshire cattle require lots of clean and fresh drinking water, just like many other domestic cattle breeds. So always try to provide your animals with adequate clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Never provide them with polluted water or contaminated feeds.
Breeding
The Ayrshire 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 flock. You can also consider artificial insemination method for breeding your animals.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is the most important part of Ayrshire cattle farming business. Because good caring helps the animals to stay healthy and produce more.
So, always try to take good care of your 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, especially milk has very good demand.
So, you will probably be able to easily sell the milk in 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 Ayrshire cattle farming business. Raising Ayrshire cattle is very easy, even the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
