Casta cattle farming is less popular, even in it’s native area. It is a multi-purpose breed, and raised mainly for meat and milk production purposes. It is also known by some other names such as Aure et Saint-Girons, Auroise and Saint Gironnaise.
The Casta cattle breed was originated from France (the French Pyrénées). And it was named for it’s two principal areas of origin, the area of Saint-Girons and the Couserans in the Ariège and the Vallée d’Aure in the département of the Hautes-Pyrénées.
And the name of the breed ‘Casta’ derives from their chestnut coloration. The Casta cattle breed is among the oldest cattle breeds of the Midi. Two different types of these animals were recognized traditionally from two different areas of the range. And the Casta breed were found throughout the high Pyrénées, from the area of Tarbes in the west to Foix in the east.
In 1990 the breed was officially named as the “race bovine d’Aure et de Saint-Girons“. A herdbook for the breed was established in 1901 or in 1919. There was some limited cross-breeding with the Bazadais cattle during the 1960s.
Total population of the Casta cattle breed fell from about 30,000 to less than 9,000 animals between 1930 and 1958. Total population of the breed fell still further in the years after the Second World War. And there were only 76 cows available in 12 farms by the 1983.
But total population of the Casta cattle breed was estimated at 427 head in 2005, and about 320 animals were available in 2014. In the year of 2007, the breed was listed by the FAO as ‘endangered-maintained’.
However, as these animals are good for both meat and milk production purposes, so starting commercial Casta cattle farming will be a good business. And at the same time, you can help this breed to recover it’s total population.
How to Start Casta Cattle Farming
The Casta cattle are very strong, hardy and active animals. They are well adapted to their local climates. So, starting commercial Casta cattle farming will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Casta 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 Casta 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 Casta cattle farms in your area (if there are any). Just ensure that the animals are of very good quality, healthy, active and diseases free.
Housing
Arranging good housing system with all required facilities is another important part of Casta cattle farming business. Because good housing system 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 Casta cattle are classified as a medium sized animal. So, they will require moderate amount of housing space. Ensure adequate space is available inside the house depending on the number of your animals.
Good ventilation system is a must for Casta 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. 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 Casta 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 good quality and nutritious food.
The Casta cattle are multi-purpose animals. 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 animals, the Casta cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily. So, ensure availability of adequate 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 Casta cattle are also 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.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is the most important part of Casta cattle farming business. Because good caring not only helps the animals to stay healthy, but also helps them to 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. 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 ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Casta cattle farming business. Raising Casta cattle is very easy. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
