Aubrac cattle farming is common, especially in it’s native area. It was bred and raised as a beef cattle breed. But today, it is raised as a dual-purpose breed, and is valued for both of it’s milk and meat production purposes.
The Aubrac cattle breed was originated from France, and it is actually a very old breed with about 150 years of breeding history. After centuries of breeding selection by French monks, it was decided to open a herdbook in 1893. And it was the golden age of the breed.
The Aubrac cows spent their winter in the farm and gave birth to calves. And they used to go to the mountains at the end of spring where rich grass and flowers were highly available. The young bulls were bred and raised in at the farm to become draft oxen.
There were about 0.3 million Aubrac cattle available at the end of the 19th century. But at the end of the Second World War, popularity of the breed and oxen declined. And popularity of highly productive dairy cattle breeds increased after the 1950s (because milk was more cheaply produced by new breeds like Holstein and Braunvieh cattle).
Today, the Aubrac cattle are used mainly as a meat cattle breed, because their milk production niches is now filled by other cattle breeds. Currently total population of the breed is approximately 10,000, and around 3000 heads are inscribed in the French studbook. And there are about 2,500 animals available in Germany and nearly half of them inscribed in a studbook.
However, as these animals are dual purpose, so commercial Aubrac cattle farming will be a good business. Because these animals are very good for both milk and meat production purposes. And at the same time, you can help this breed to recover it’s population.
How to Start Aubrac Cattle Farming
The Aubrac cattle are very strong and hardy animals. So, starting commercial Aubrac cattle farming will be relatively easy. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Aubrac 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 Aubrac cattle farming business. Purchasing good quality animals is very important. Because good quality animals always ensure good production, and ultimately good profits. So try to purchase healthy, strong, active and diseases free animals.
You can purchase the animals from any of your nearest livestock market or any existing Aubrac cattle farms (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, healthy, strong and active.
Housing
Arranging good housing system for your animals is another important part of Aubrac cattle farming business. Because good housing system not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from adverse weather conditions and wild predators.
Exact type of your cattle house can be any depending on your budget and also on the availability of building materials in your area. It 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 safe and comfortable for the animals.
The Aubrac cattle are classified as medium to large sized animals. So, they will require more housing space than average sized animals. So, ensure availability of adequate 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. And clean the house regularly.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Aubrac cattle farming business. Because good quality and nutritious food not only helps the animals to grow better, but also helps them to stay healthy and produce more.
The Aubrac cattle are dual-purpose animals. So, they will require both greens and grains in their diet. So ensure both greens and grains are available in their diet. You can also consider feeding the animals with silage, especially during the dry season.
The Aubrac cattle require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily, like many other domestic cattle breeds. So, always try to provide them with adequate clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Never provide them with polluted water or contaminated feeds.
Breeding
Breeding of Aubrac cattle is very easy. Because these animals are naturally very good breeders. 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 cows, especially if you to avoid raising bulls.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is the most important part of Aubrac cattle farming business. Because taking good care is the key to successful Aubrac cattle farming business.
Your animals will remain strong, hardy and healthy if you 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. Because both meat and milk of the cattle already have very good demand and value in the market. So, you will probably 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 steps and ways for running and operating a successful Aubrac cattle farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
