Burlina cattle farming is less popular, even in it’s native area. Because total population of this breed is very less. And it’s condition is mentioned as ‘Critical-maintained’. It is a dual-purpose breed and good for both meat and milk production purpose.
The Burlina cattle is originally from the sup-alpine regions of north-east Italy. And it is distributed mainly in the provinces of Treviso, Verona and Vicenza. The breed is also known by some other names such as Bassanese, Binda, Boccarda and Pezzata degli altipiani.
Exact origins of the Burlina cattle breed are unknown. But it has been suggested that the breed may be related to the similar Bretonne Pie Noir breed of small pied dairy cattle in Brittany, or it may have been brought into Italy by Cimbrian migrants.
The Burlina cattle breed was one of the most numerous cattle breeds present in north-eastern Italy in the early 20th Century. And it was the commonest dairy cattle breed on the Altopiano di Asiago, in the Colli Berici, on Monte Grappa and in the Monti Lessini until the 1930s.
But total numbers of the breed declined significantly during the First World War, under the Fascist regime and during the Second World War. And their total numbers also declined gradually during the 1950s and 1960s.
The Burlina cattle breed was replaced mostly by the Friesian cattle breed, which was more productive. Total population of the breed was recorded as 11,283 in 1956. But their total numbers had fallen to about 300 animals by 2008. And currently the breed is distributed to the Province of Treviso, Verona and Vicenza.
However, as these animals are dual-purpose and good for both meat and milk production, so starting commercial Burlina cattle farming will be a good and profitable business. Especially, if you can market cattle products easily in the market.
How to Start Burlina Cattle Farming
The Burlina cattle are very strong, active and hardy animals. So, starting commercial Burlina cattle farming will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Burlina cattle farming business from purchasing animals to caring and marketing.
Purchase Cattle
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, strong, hardy and diseases free animals for starting your Burlina 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 Burlina cattle farms (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, healthy, active and hardy.
Housing
Arranging good housing system is another important part of Burlina cattle farming business. Because a good house not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from adverse weather conditions and wild predators.
Type of your cattle housing system can be any depending on your budget and also on the availability of building materials in your area. You can either 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 Burlina cattle are classified as a small sided animals. So, they will require relatively less housing space. Ensure adequate space is available inside the house depending on the number of your animals.
Install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. Make the house in such a way so that you can clean the house easily. And clean the house regularly.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Burlina 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, always try to provide your animals with enough good and nutritious food.
The Burlina cattle are dual-purpose breed. So, they will require a combination of both greens and grains in their diet. You can also consider feeding your animals with silage, especially during the dry season.
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Burlina 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
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Burlina cattle are naturally very good breeders. 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, especially if you want to avoid raising bulls.
Caring
Taking good care of your animals is very important for successful Burlina cattle farming business. 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.
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 common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Burlina cattle farming business. Raising Burlina cattle is very easy and simple, even the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
