Camargue cattle farming is common but not too popular, especially in it’s native area. It is a multi-purpose breed of domestic cattle which is raised for beef, course camarguaise and vegetation management. And it is not good for milk production.
The Camargue cattle is actually from France. It is native to the Camargue marshlands of the river delta of the Rhône in southern France. And the breed is one of the two cattle breeds which is raised in semi-feral conditions in the Camargue (another one is the Brava cattle, which is a fighting breed).
Both Camargue and Brava cattle breeds are associated with the rural and cultural traditions of the Camargue including the gardians, mounted herders who manage the livestock in manades, and the small white Camargue horses they ride.
Name of the breed was changed to Raço di Biòu and a herdbook was established in 1996. Total population of the breed was estimated at 5,950 in 2004, and was reported to be 5,332 in 2014. However, you can start commercial Camargue cattle farming business if you like this breed.
How to Start Camargue Cattle Farming
The Camargue cattle are naturally very strong, hardy and active animals. They require less caring and other management. They are good for raising in semi-feral conditions. Starting commercial Camargue cattle farming will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Camargue cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, active, healthy and diseases free animals for starting your Camargue 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 any existing Camargue cattle farms (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, healthy, active and diseases free.
Housing
Arranging a good housing system for the animals is an important part of Camargue 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 your cattle housing system 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 Camargue cattle are classified as a smaller sized animals. So, they will require relatively less housing space. Ensure adequate housing space is available inside the house depending on the number of your animals.
Installing good ventilation system is a must for raising cattle. So, install good ventilation system inside the house, and also ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. And make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with very good quality, healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Camargue 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 Camargue cattle are multi-purpose animals. So, they will require a combination of both greens and grains in their diet. But as they are used for beef production, so providing them with more grains will be good. You can also consider feeding them with silage, especially during the dry season when green feeds are not available.
The Camargue cattle are excellent grazers and they share the wetland environment with the horses, wild boar and flamingoes.
Like many other domestic animals, the Camargue cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily. So, ensure availability of sufficient amount of fresh and clean drinking water as per their demand. Never provide them with contaminated feeds or polluted water.
Breeding
The Camargue 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 method for breeding your cows.
Caring
Taking good care of your animals is very important. Good caring helps the animals to stay healthy, 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. Hope you will 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 Camargue cattle farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
