Argentine Criollo cattle farming is pretty popular, especially in it’s native area. It is actually a dual-purpose breed of domestic cattle which is raised and valued for both milk and meat production purpose.
As the name suggests, the Argentine Criollo cattle breed was developed from Argentina. It is one of the Criollo type cattle found in the Americas, and include the Texas Longhorn cattle among others.
These animals are descended from the first bovines brought by Christopher Columbus in his travels to America. In addition to tremendous genetic variability, these animals are also well known for their docility and workability.
Like the Criollo relatives, the Argentine Criollo cattle exhibits the full range of Bos tarus color patterns. An association for the breed named ‘The Asociación Argentina de Criadores de Ganado Bovino Criollo‘ was established in 1990 as the official breed society.
The owners must have their cattle tested and examined for pureness of origin who wish to register their animals with the Criollo Association. The animals must need to be tested by the association before they can be considered as purebred Argentine Criollo cattle.
However, as these animals are dual-purpose, so starting commercial Argentine Criollo cattle farming will be a good business for both meat and milk production purpose.
How to Start Argentine Criollo Cattle Farming
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Argentine Criollo cattle are also very strong and hardy animals. They are able to do very well in their native climates. So, starting commercial Argentine Criollo cattle farming will be a good and profitable business.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Argentine Criollo cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy and active animals for starting your Argentine Criollo 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 of your nearest Argentine Criollo cattle farms (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are very strong, hardy, active and diseases free.
Housing
Arranging a good, secure and comfortable housing system is another important part of Argentine Criollo 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 type of the house 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 Argentine Criollo cattle are classed as a medium sized breed. So they will require adequate housing space. Ensure enough space inside the house depending on the number of your animals. 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 Argentine Criollo cattle farming business. Because, good food not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to grow better and produce more. So, ensure good and nutritious food for your animals.
The Argentine Criollo cattle are dual-purpose animals. So, they will require both greens and grains in their diet. You can consider feeding your animals with silage during the dry season.
The Argentine Criollo cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water, just like many other domestic cattle breeds. So, provide your animals with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Never provide them with polluted water or contaminated feeds.
Breeding
The Argentine Criollo 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, if you want to avoid raising bulls.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is the key to successful Argentine Criollo cattle farming business. Because good caring always ensure good health and good growth of the animals.
So, always try to take good care of the 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 both meat and milk of cattle have very good demand and value in the market. So, you will probably be able to sell your products in the 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 Argentine Criollo cattle farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!