Factors That Affect The Cost To Raise A Cow

Raising cattle for meat and profiting from it requires commitment because of the huge sum of money that is involved in managing and keeping a cattle farm. You have to spend a lot of time tending to the cows. Even if you have enough workers to help manage your farm, you have to be hands on in some tasks. You have to oversee the workers and see to it that your farm management plan is carried out effectively. There are several factors that you have to consider in computing the cost to raise a cow. It does not only involve the price that you will pay for buying cattle but also the costs for their maintenance, breeding, equipment, etc.

One determinant of the cost to raise a cow is the acquisition cost of cattle per head. The cost will depend upon the breed of the cow. Likewise those cattle which are registered are definitely more costly than the average beef cow. The cow's price will also vary on its age wherein calves are cheaper because you still have to invest on the food that it will consume and consider the time to raise them. Health and weight are also considered. Most often cattle ranchers prefer buying young cattle and breed them on their own. The costs of calves are cheaper but the rancher will bear the risks entailed in raising and breeding them. This includes food and labor expenses.

However, the cost to raise a cow does not end there. You have to consider the cost for rearing and caring your cattle. This means that you have to compute the amount you will be spending on pasture that the cattle graze on. The grazing land depends on the area since there are those regions where there is drought or the land is very wet due to the prolonged rainy season. When these climate or weather changes happen the grass will not grow properly and the cattle cannot graze outdoors. You have to buy hay and other food supplements which mean that it will add up to the cost to raise a cow. A good feeding program and buying high quality of food with a low price should be made to lower costs. Irrigation costs for your grazing land should also be considered. It is beneficial if there a nearby pond or other natural source of fresh and clean water for your cows.

An additional factor that adds in the cost to raise a cow is the expenses that you will have to incur in medicines. This includes vaccinations, vitamins, de-worming, castration and veterinary check-ups. A lot of farmers do some of these health measures to their cattle on their own without consulting a vet. However, if you do not want any risks to your animal's health, consulting with a professional veterinarian is advised. Moreover, when sickness strikes your cattle you have to isolate them and get them proper medical attention so as not to contaminate the others. There are also common sicknesses that affect cattle. As a farm manager it is wise if you study and read about these common sicknesses and learn how to treat them so as to save on your cattle's medical costs. Keeping the cleanliness of the barn or shelter is also very important so ensure their health.

Are you planning to learn more tips about raising cows and cattle? Raising cattle can improve quality of life and provide great satisfaction and responsibility for families. Explore your options and then decide. If you would like more tips on cattle farming and how to raise cattle, just go to: howtoraisecattle.com