Anatolian Black cattle farming is less popular. It is popular especially in it’s native area. It is a multi-purpose breed which is raised for many different purposes. It is good and raised for milk, meat and draught purposes.
The Anatolian Black cattle breed originated in Anatolia which is currently Turkey. The breed is also known by many other different names, such as Native Black Cattle, Anatolian Native and Turkish: Yerli Kara.
The Anatolian Black cattle is the most popular breed of cattle in Turkey and are mainly used for milk and meat production purposes. It is also used as a draught animal on small farms.
Today, the Anatolian Black cattle breed is raised primarily in central Turkey. It is the smallest of the native cattle breeds of Turkey. And the breed is closely related to the East Anatolian Red and South Anatolian Red cattle breeds of Turkey.
Together the Anatolian Black, East Anatolian Red and South Anatolian Red cattle breeds are collectively referred to as “Anatolian Native” cattle. And these breeds are distinguished on morphological and regional grounds, rather than genetically.
Total population of the genetically purebred Anatolian Black cattle breed has decreased, and they are considered at the risk of extinction.
Total numbers of this breed decreased mainly due to crossbreeding with the European cattle breeds for improving productivity and yields.
However, as these animals are multi-purpose, so starting commercial Anatolian Black cattle farming will be a profitable business. And at the same time, you will be able to help this breed to recover it’s population.
How to Start Anatolian Black Cattle Farming
The Anatolian Black cattle are very strong and hardy animals. They are well adapted to their native climates and do very well there. So Anatolian Black cattle farming is relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Anatolian Black cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
For starting and operating a successful and profitable Anatolian Black cattle farming business, you must have to purchase very good quality, healthy and diseases free animals.
You can purchase the animals from any of your nearest livestock market or any existing Anatolian Black cattle farms. Just ensure that the animals are healthy and active.
Housing
Arranging a good, secure and comfortable housing system is very important for Anatolian Black 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.
The exact type of the housing system 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 Anatolian Black cattle are classed as smaller sized animals. So, they will require relatively less housing space. 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 Anatolian Black 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 Anatolian Black cattle are multi-purpose animals. So they will require more nutritious food. They will require a combination of both supplementary feeds and green feeds. Silage can be a good option for feeding your animals during the dry season.
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Anatolian Black cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water. So, try to provide them with sufficient amount of clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. And never provide them with contaminated feeds and polluted water.
Breeding
The Anatolian Black 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 key to successful Anatolian Black cattle farming business. 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. You will probably be able to sell both meat and milk in your 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 Anatolian Black cattle farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
