Boran cattle farming is common and popular in it’s native area. It is a beef cattle breed which is raised mainly for meat production purpose. The breed is not good for producing milk, and raised primarily for meat production purpose.
The Boran is a Zebu cattle breed which was developed from the native shorthorned Zebu cattle of Borana people of the southern Ethiopia. The breed is usually white or fawn in coloration in most cases, with the bulls being darker with black points.
The Boran cattle breed has great similarities to the American Brahman cattle and they are also descended from the cattle from western coast of India. The Kenyan ranchers developed the Boran cattle breed and it was found in the northern Kenya, southern Ethiopia and southwestern Somalia.
The Boran cattle breed was imported to Australia in the year of 1990. The Boran Cattle Breeder’s Society has been managed since 1951 and strategically breed these animal in Kenya.
As of 2008, there were approximately 454 beef ranches in Kenya. And those ranches can be classified based on ownership as one of five categories: co-operative ranches, group ranches, government ranches, private ranches and public ranches.
However, as these animals are good for meat production purpose, so starting commercial Boran cattle farming will be a good and profitable business. Especially if you can market the products easily in your area.
How to Start Boran Cattle Farming
The Boran cattle are very strong and hardy animals. They are well adapted to many agro-climatic conditions. So, starting commercial Boran cattle farming will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Boran 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 Boran cattle farming business. Purchasing good quality animals is very important. Because good quality animals always ensure good production.
You can purchase the cattle from any of your nearest livestock market or any existing Boran cattle farms in your area. Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, healthy and active.
Housing
Arranging good housing system for your animals is another important part of Boran 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. So, ensure a good housing system with all required facilities for your cattle.
The type of your cattle housing system can be any depending on your budget and also on the availability of building materials in your area. Your house can be made 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 Boran cattle are small to medium sized animals. So, they will require moderate amount of space inside their house. So, ensure adequate amount of space is available inside the house depending on the number of your animals.
Good ventilation system is a must inside the house. 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 try to clean the house regularly.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Boran cattle farming business. Because good food not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more.
The Boran 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 cattle breeds, the Boran cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily. Always ensure adequate amount of clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Never provide them with contaminated feeds of polluted water.
Breeding
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Boran cattle are 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 your animals is the key to successful Boran 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.
So, you will probably be able to easily sell the 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 Boran cattle farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
