Cachena cattle farming is pretty popular, especially in it’s native area. It is a multi-purpose breed of domestic cattle which is raised for many different purposes. It is raised for both meat and milk, and also used for draught purpose.
The Cachena cattle breed is actually from Portugal. And along with Portugal, these animals are also bred in Galicia, Spain. And there is also the similar but larger cattle breed available in Portugal which is known by the name Barrosão or Barrosã.
Sometimes Barrosã and Cachena are considered different variants of the same breed. The Cachena cattle were bred from the brown and yellow local cattle breed in Northern Portugal.
The Cachena cattle breed was originally bred in the Vila Real District in the past, which is an agriculturally poor district in the extreme north of Portugal. And in that area, climate is hot and dry in summer, and cold and humid in the winter. And very little fertile ground is available there.
The Cachena cattle breed is distributed around the low mountain range regions of the communities in the Spanish natural park Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurés in the frontier region to Portugal. In addition, they are spread in the region around the Ourensic village Olelas and in the Portuguese Peneda-Gerês National Park.
A Cachena cattle herdbook was founded in 1990. However, as these animals are good for both meat and milk production purposes, so starting commercial Cachena cattle farming will be profitable. Especially, if you can market meat and milk easily in your area.
How to Start Cachena Cattle Farming
The Cachena cattle are very strong and hardy animals. So, starting commercial Cachena cattle farming will be relatively easy. Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Cachena 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 active animals for starting your Cachena cattle farming business. Purchasing good quality, strong and healthy 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 Cachena cattle farms (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, healthy, strong, active and diseases free.
Housing
Making a good housing system for your animals is another important part of Cachena cattle farming business. 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 your cattle housing system can be any depending on your budget and also on the availability of building materials in your area. The house 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 secure and comfortable for the animals.
The Cachena cattle are classified as a small sized breed. So, they will require relatively less housing space. Ensure adequate housing space is available inside the house depending on the number of your animals.
Good ventilation system is a must for Cachena cattle farming business. So, install good ventilation system inside the house, and ensure flow of sufficient amount of fresh air and light inside the house. And make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. And clean the house regularly.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Cachena cattle farming business. Good and nutritious 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 good quality and nutritious food.
The Cachena cattle are multi-purpose animals. So, they will require a combination of both grains and greens in their diet. You can also consider feeding them silage, especially during the dry season when green feeds are not available.
The Cachena cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily, just like many other domestic animals. 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 Cachena cattle are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily if you keep good ratio of cows and bulls in your herd. You can also consider artificial insemination method for breeding your cows.
Caring
Taking good care of your animals is the most important part of Cachena cattle farming business. Because 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 both meat and milk of cattle already have very good demand and value in the market. Hope you will 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 Cachena cattle farming business. Raising Cachena cattle is very easy, even the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
