Agerolese cattle farming is not common, even in it’s native area. It is a dairy cattle breed which is raised mainly for milk production purpose in it’s native area. It is a pretty rare breed and not available outside it’s native area.
The Agerolese cattle is actually from the area of Agerola, in Campania in southern Italy. It was developed from cross-breeding of indigenous Podolica cattle with Bruna Italiana, Italian Holstein-Friesian and Jersey cattle. The breed is particularly associated with the Sorrento Peninsula and Monti Lattari.
The Agerolese cattle is one of the 16 minor Italian cattle breeds of limited diffusion recognized and protected by the Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali, the Italian ministry of agriculture.
There were a total of 200 animals available according to a census completed on 1 January 2002. And the conservation status of the Agerolese cattle breed was reported by the FAO as ‘endangered-maintained’ in 2007.
And total population of the breed increased to 347 animals at the end of 2012. However, you can help this breed to increase it’s population if you start commercial Agerolese cattle farming business. As these animals are good for milk production, so starting commercial Agerolese cattle farming business will be profitable.
How to Start Agerolese Cattle Farming
The Agerolese cattle are medium sized animals. They are very strong and hardy and do very well in their native climates. So starting commercial Agerolese cattle farming business will be easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Agerolese 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 Agerolese cattle farming business. Try to purchase healthy, active and diseases free animals.
You can search your local livestock market or any existing Agerolese cattle farms. Also try to consult with an expert before purchasing animals.
Housing
Making a very good, secure and comfortable housing system is very important for Agerolese cattle farming business. Because a good house not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from all types of wild predators and adverse weather conditions.
The type of the house can be any depending on your budget and also on the availability of materials in your area. You can build full concrete house or the house can be made of easily available and low cost materials. Just ensure that the house is secure and safe for the animals.
The Agerolese cattle are medium sized animals. Ensure adequate space inside the house for each animal. Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean it. 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, healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Agerolese cattle farming business. Good food not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more.
The Agerolese cattle are raised mainly for milk production. So, they will require more green feeds than concentrated feeds. So try to provide them with adequate greens. Feeding silage during dry season can be a good option.
Never feed your cattle with low quality feeds and dirty water. Like many other domestic animals, the Agerolese cattle also require lots of water daily. So, provide your animals with as much clean and fresh drinking water as they want.
Breeding
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Agerolese cattle are naturally very good breeders. They have no specific breeding season, and actually breed throughout the year.
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 purpose.
Caring
Taking good care of your animals is the key to successful Agerolese cattle farming business. So, try to take good care of your animals. De-worm and vaccinate 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 have very good demand and value in the market. The Agerolese cattle are raised for milk production purpose.
So, you will probably be able to easily sell the milk in your 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 Agerolese cattle farming business. Raising Agerolese cattle is very easy and simple. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
