Chianina cattle farming is very popular in it’s native area, and also in some other countries around the world. It is a beef cattle breed and raised mainly for meat production purpose. But the breed is also used as a draught animal.
The Chianina cattle is one of the oldest breed of beef cattle originating in the area of Valdichiana, Italy. And the breed takes it’s name from it’s origin place, and the middle Tiber valley. The breed is also known by some other names such as Chianina della Valdichiana, Chianina del Valdarno, Calvana and Perugina.
Previously, the Chianina cattle breed was raised mainly as a draught cattle breed, but now it is raised mainly for meat production. The famous bistecca alla fiorentina is produced from the meat of this cattle breed.
The Chianina cattle is the largest and one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world. The breed has been raised in the Italian regions of Tuscany for long time, and in Umbria and Lazio for at least 2200 years.
The Chianina oxen were the principal source of agriculture power in their native area, before the mechanization in agriculture and the collapse of the mezzadria system. They are still used in processions such as the corteo storico of the Palio di Siena.
From 1931, the breeders began to favor selection of animals more suited to meat production. They began to start breeding animals with shorter limbs, longer bodies and more heavily muscled rump and thighs. Most recent selection for the animals are based also on factors such as growth rate, meat yield and maternal ability in the cows.
Currently, the Chianina cattle are raised as a dual-purpose animal and used for meat and also as a draught animal. However, as the animals are good for meat production, so starting commercial Chianina cattle farming will be a good business, especially if you can market the products easily in your area.
How to Start Chianina Cattle Farming
The Chianina cattle are extremely hardy and strong animals. They are well adapted to their native climates and also do very well in some other agro-climatic conditions. The cows have excellent maternal qualities. So, starting commercial Chianina cattle farming will be relatively easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Chianina 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 Chianina cattle farming business. Purchasing very 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 you can consider purchasing the animals from any of your nearest Chianina cattle farms (if there are any). You can also consider searching your local online classified websites. Just ensure that the animals are strong, active, healthy and diseases free.
Housing
Arranging good housing system with all required facilities is another important part of Chianina 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 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 made simply of 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 Chianina cattle are classified as a large sized breed. So, they will require more housing space than average sized cattle breeds. Ensure adequate space is available inside the house depending on the number of your animals.
Good ventilation system is a must. So, 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 easily clean the house. And clean the house regularly.
Feeding
Feeding the animals with very good quality, healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Chianina 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 Chianina cattle are a beef cattle breed. So, for commercial production, they will require more grains in their diet. You can also consider feeding your animals with silage, especially during the dry season.
Like many other domestic animals, the Chianina cattle also require lots of clean and fresh drinking water daily. So, provide your animals with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Never provide them with contaminated feeds or polluted water.
Breeding
Like many other domestic cattle breeds, the Chianina 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, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of raising bulls.
Caring
Taking good care of your animals is the most important part of Chianina 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 common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Chianina cattle farming business. Raising Chianina cattle is very easy. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
