Note: Feasibility Aspects - Questions

The main things that you need to follow through from your business plan include the following (a few
are mentioned in the proceeding steps):
Breeding (dairy and beef cow-calf only)

Calving (dairy and beef cow-calf only)

Weaning (beef cow-calf primarily, dairy as well if calves also raised on-farm)

Marketing and selling livestock of various classes (all sectors: dairy, beef cow-calf,
backgrounding/stocker and feedlot)

1.

Replacement heifers selection criteria and management (dairy and beef cow-calf only)

Cull cow/bull/heifer criteria and management (dairy and beef cow-calf only)

Herd bull management (primarily beef cow-calf, some dairy)

Milk production (dairy only)

Care of bottle calves (dairy only) or orphaned calves (beef cow-calf)

Herd health management including vaccination/deworming schedules (all sectors)

Feeds, feeding and pasture management (all sectors)

Handling and disposal of deadstock (all sectors)

Crop and/or hay production (all sectors)

Human resource management (primarily dairy and feedlot, some beef cow-calf especially with

cattle ranches)
Capital and assets including fences, machinery, equipment and buildings in terms of

maintenance, repairing and building new (all sectors)

Goals and objectives for future improvements (all sectors)

Succession and dispersal of herd and/or farm (all sectors)

Keep up with feeding and/or pasture management. You cannot raise cattle if you have nothing to feed them or
no pasture for them to graze on. Make sure you have the feed available before you have purchased your animals
or adequate pasture. Cattle eat grass, hay, silage and grain, and tend to be raised best on the first two or three.

What type of feeds you wish to feed your animals depends on what type of cattle you're raising, your
goals and your location. For instance, you can easily raise a beef cow-calf herd on just grass and hay or
raise some backgrounder/stocker calves on grass for the summer. Fattening cattle the conventional way
primarily requires silage and grain, and feeding dairy cattle requires that plus moist hay in the form of
haylage.

Some dairy cattle may also be allowed to graze for part of the year or most of the year as well,
depending on whether the operation is an organic grass-fed dairy or not.

For pasture, make sure you have an adequate stocking rate or stocking density so you avoid
overgrazing. Ideally you should try to rotationally or manage-intensive graze your pastures as
much as you can.

1.

Maintain a good herd health program. This especially so if it's needed. A herd health program is especially
imperative if you are purchasing cattle and bringing them into your herd, because these new cattle could be
carriers of disease that may affect your current herd. It's also important if you are raising them in an area where
disease and illness tends to be prevalent, such as confined in a barn or out on a dirt lot, or feeding them feed, like
grain, that tends to cause problems.

A herd health program is not just about what products are available to use to vaccinate, deworm/delice
or treat animals, it's all about prevention as well, and what you can do to prevent illnesses and diseases
from occurring. Prevention steps include and are not unlimited to vaccinations, quarantine periods,
avoiding doing activities with cattle during certain times, ensuring adequate feed and minerals are
available, and maintaining a good strict culling program.

You must also know and have certain items on hand in case of an emergency. Items such as calving
chains, calf puller, epinephrine, dexamethazone, trocar and canola, mineral oil, esophageal tube with
frick tube, rope (lariat and/or cotton or poly rope), latex gloves, shoulder-length gloves, extra needles
and syringes, Dettol (or a similar disinfectant), 70% alcohol solution, among many others should be in
an emergency kit (items ultimately depend on what type of cattle you have) in case anything goes
wrong and a veterinarian is not able to arrive on time.
You may eventually have to face the hard truth that some animals cannot be cured, and you
may have to euthanize it yourself. Most producers use a gun to put an animal down, simply by
putting a bullet in the middle of the forehead just above the eyes. It is the quickest and most
humane way to put a suffering animal out of its misery instead of simply letting it die a slow
and painful death on its own.

Know how to deal with deadstock. With raising livestock it's entirely expected that you may
end up having a dead animal (or more) on your hands to deal with. Research your local livestock
disposal laws to determine what is best to dispose of a dead animal's carcass.

1.

Know when, where and how to market or sell your animals. There are five main routes of selling cattle:
salebarn/auction mart, private-treaty, direct sales, purebred sales and dispersal sales.

The majority of cattle are sold through the sale barn or auction mart. Emphasis is placed on cull cattle,
weaned calves, and fats (cattle ready for slaughter). Usually it is hear where "problem cattle" get
dropped off to go to the kill pen or be sold for slaughter, and weaned calves change hands from the
ranch where they were born to a feedlot or farm that backgrounds them and readies them for slaughter.

Usually replacement stock are not purchased here, unless the prices are very good and producers are
willing to get rid of more than their fair share of cattle, no matter if they have problems or not. Cattle
can be sold through live internet auction or simply hauling them in the trailer to the nearest auction mart
to you. Both beef and dairy cattle are sold this way.
o

Private treaty is where you negotiate sales or purchases of livestock between the buyer or seller, which
ever you and the other person happen to be. You can sell cattle in an advertisement posted in the local
newspaper, magazine or an Internet classified site such as Craigslist or Kijiji. People who read your ad
may want to contact you for information or out of interest in the cattle you have up for sale. Private
treaty sales may also come about from word-of-mouth, and not from reading newspaper or Internet
advertisements at all.

Direct sales would also work in the same way as private-treaty, except you are mostly selling beef, not
live cattle, directly to a consumer interested in your product. Direct sales happen through word-ofmouth, an advertisement posted on your website marketing your product as "nothing but the best," or a
little ad in a local newspaper. It also occurs when selling your product at a stand at a farmer's market.

Purebred sales are only for those with purebred seedstock or cow-calf herds and are marketing live,
purebred cattle for other producers, purebred or commercial themselves, to purchase. Yearling bulls and
heifers are primarily sold this way, either through auction on-farm, or through advertisements to
encourage private-treaty sales.

Dispersal sales are sales where you can sell a whole herd or most of your herd of cattle to other
interested buyers, be they meat packers or other producers. Dispersal sales are only for the purpose of
selling almost your whole cow-calf herd, not if you were selling you're year's worth of stocker cattle
you purchased several months ago.

1.

Manage other enterprises such as crops, hay and silage. If you are a producer that prefers to make their own
feed rather than purchase it, this is one of the most important enterprises for your operation. You may be an
operation that focuses on all three, just one, or any of the two. That all depends on what kind of cattle you run
and whether you aim to be more conventional (graze in the summer, confine and feed in winter), or low-cost
natural (graze all year round, grass-only, no grain or silage to feed). Whatever you choose, these enterprises must
be managed in such a way that they give back to you in being good-quality feed for your livestock.

Crops must be seeded and harvested on time.

Silage must be harvested at the right stage, neither too late or too soon.

Hay must be done properly to ensure no spoilage occurs, nor potential for combustion. Cut at the right
time, allow it to dry, then rake and bale. Store bales as necessary, especially squares, since they're more
prone to spoilage than round bales.

Machinery for any and all enterprises must be kept in good working order. They do not have to be
brand new, but they must be greased, oiled, maintained and broken parts repaired in order for them to
keep working smoothly and efficiently.

Cattle Raising ( http://balinkbayan.gov.ph/products/161-cattle-raising.html )

CATTLE RAISING
Cattle fattening has gained prominence as an important business project of the livestock industry in the Philippines. It gives
the farmer year-round work and provides him with extra income. He can make use of cheap, plentiful farm by-products such
as corn stovers, rice straw, copra meal, rice bran and sugarcane tops, which ordinarily go to waste. Most importantly, it helps
meet the urgent demand for high-protein foods in the Filipino diet.
Backyard cattle fattening or on a large scale can be profitably undertaken. It consists of buying healthy stock, feeding and
fattening them for 120 to 180 days, and selling them at anytime of the year. Minimum space for housing is required: 1.5 to 2
sq. meters per head for a sheltered feeding area, and 5 meters per head for a fenced loafing area.
(Source: Department of Agriculture Bureau of Agricultural Research, Date accessed 24 March 2014)

By-Products
Raw Hide
For Prices and Market Trends, you may visit the Agriculture and Fisheries Market Information System.
For further assistance in your area, you may check the Technical and Financial Assistance Directory.

Typs of Cattle-Raising

TYPS OF CATTLE-RAISING
1. Cow-calf Operation
In a cow-calf operation, cows and bulls are raised to produce calves which are raised until they are weaned from their dams
at seven (7) to eight (8) months of age. After weaning, they can be sold immediately, or raised for a few more months for use
as replacement stocks or sold for fattening.
The cow-calf operation is considered most challenging because the breeder needs to be familiar with the reproductive cycle,
management practices involved in the production and maintenance of cows, bulls and calves as well as breeding and
feeding systems. A good animal health program should also be observed to minimize mortality and ensure the productivity of
the animals.

2. Breeder Farm Operation

In a breeder farm operation, the main interest of the raisers is to produce animals for breeding purposes. There is a set of
selection criteria for calves and they are raised until they are ready for breeding.
Since the main output of a breeder farm is quality breeding animals, a large herd is necessary for the selection of the
replacement stocks. Purebred animals are usually utilized in this type of operation. The breeder farm can be maintained in
the ranch, in complete confinement, or integrated with plantation and forest trees. The farm requires a number of animal
stock, a big space and a big capital.

3. Growing-Fattening Operation
This is the most popular type of cattle raising in the Philippines. It requires simple facilities and level of management. The
lifespan
of
operation
is
shorter
and
the
return
of
investment
is
relatively
higher.
Growing cattle can be raised through grazing or cut-and-carry feeding. Thus, it needs little capital so it can be managed by
smallhold
cattle
raisers.
On the other hand, the fattening or finishing stage is usually done intensively or in confinement. The animals are kept within
an area so that the feeds given to them are utilized to develop their tissues.

Breeds

BREEDS
Improved breeds and crossbreds gain weight faster than native animals. Tropical breeds are more adaptable to local climatic
and feed conditions than temperate breeds. Some of the recommended tropical breeds are:

1.

Brahman
Color is gray, some are reddish. This breed is resistant to diseases and can withstand heat better.

2.

Ongle

or

Nellore

Color is white. The bulls may have dark gray head, neck and hump. Knees may be black.

3.

Indu-Brazil
Colors vary from light to silver gray and brownish dark gray to red.

4.

Batangas

Cattle

This is not really distinct breed of cattle in the Philippines. Cattle fattened in Batangas comes from Mindoro, Masbate and
other provinces. The term Batangas beef has become popular because of the good quality cattle produced by the "supak"
method of Batangas.
Management Practices

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Management of Calves
Calves should suckle colostrum milk from their mother within three (3) hours after calving. A calf that has not suckled
five
(5)
to
six
(6)
hours
after
calving
should
be
led
to
his
mother's
udder.
During bad weathers, weak calves should be taken to the barn with the mother. However, orphaned calves may be
raised to cow's milk or milk replacers. Calves should be given concentrates at an early age for faster growth.
Management of Growers
Growers are weaned yearlings which are not to be fattened immediately. They are handled in such a way that maximum
growth is achieved at the lowest possible cost. The growing period starts from weaning to fattening or replacement
stage. Growers are usually maintained in the pasture with very little attention; they are given salt and mineral
supplements. If raised in confinement, concentrates should be given in addition to grass or roughage.
Management of Fatteners
Fatteners require a shorter period to reach slaughter weight. They are generally bigger, mature, or nearing maturity.
However, one and a half to two-year old animals weighing 200 to 300 kg are preferred. They may be fattened either in
feedlot, on pasture, or in both areas
Cattle Housing

CATTLE HOUSING
Proper housing is important in successful cattle fattening operation. Adequately protect animals against the adverse effects
of weather when they are raised in relatively small areas. Animals in backyard cattle farms are usually tethered along
roadsides and in backyards during the day and confined in a shed or corral at night. The permanent type of housing
consisting of GI roofing, timber frames, concrete floor, feed trough and water troughs are used in most farms. The shelter is
open-sided and is located near the farmer's house or under the shade trees. Building height ranges from 1.79 to 1.9 meters
while the width varies from 2.1 to 2.7 meters. Each animal can be allocated with 1.5 to 4.5 sq. meters.
A fenced loafing area beside the goat house must be provided (100 to 150 sqm/250 head), complete with feeding racks and
water troughs to allow animals to loaf freely. Flooring of the area must be cemented to facilitate drying. Cogon and nipa as

roof
materials
are
preferred
in
hot
and
humid
areas.
Ventilation is of outmost importance. Majority of pneumonia cases can be traced to excessively warm and humid interior and
sudden changes in temperature. Allow a 0.5 to 1 feet clearance between floor to wall and wall to beam to create an
adequate circulation and to lower draft. It is desirable to maintain an interior temperature of 28 to 30C. It has been
established
that
above
30C
ruminants
are
inhibited
from
eating.
Lighting may also be provided in the barns during the night. Goats consume up to 30% of the day's intake during the night
when
light
is
provided.
Other Options:
1. Housing System for Cow-calf Operation
Cow-calf operation in smallhold farms is usually done using simple methods and facilities. The animals are usually
tethered during the day and kept inside the shed during the night. The shed is built from native materials like wood and
bamboo frames and enclosures; nipa and cogon for roofings. Feeding and watering troughs can also be made out of
locally available materials such as used tires, used and halved drums. The shed is usually built near the house of the
farmer.
2. Housing System for Fattening Operation
In this type of operation, the animals are raised in individual stalls with a space about 1.5 m x 4 m/head. Each stall can
accommodate one animal during the entire fattening period. The shed is built three (3) meters high to allow good
ventilation. Bamboo, lumber, or ipil-ipil poles can be used for frames; nipa or cogon for roofing materials although
galvanized iron roofing may be used for durability. Concrete and sand should be used as flooring to prevent mud from
accumulating. This will facilitate cleaning.
Selecting Cows and Heifers for Breeding

SELECTING COWS AND HEIFERS FOR BREEDING

1. Milking Ability and Feminity
A cow should have a mild maternal face with bright and alert eyes, good disposition, and quiet temperament. Its udder
is of good size and shape, soft, flexible and spongy to touch. This characteristic is expected to secrete more milk unlike
an udder that is fleshlike and hard.
2. Age
In general, beef cows remain productive for 13 years if they start calving at three years of age. They are most
productive from four to eight years of age.
3. Breeding Ability and Ancestry
Cows that calve regularly are desirable. Calves from cows that do not take on flesh readily do not give much profit. In
buying heifers for foundation stock, select those which belong to families which have regularly produced outstanding
calves.
4. Types and Conformation
An ideal cow has a rectangular frame. Should be of medium width between the thurls and pins to have necessary frame
on which to hang profitable beef. The rump must be long and smooth.
Selecting a Bull

SELECTING A BULL
1. Physical Appearance
A fairly good middle or barrel indicates a well-developed digestive system and healthy vital organs such as the heart,
liver and lungs. Likewise, a full heart girth, broad muzzle, large nostrils, muscular cheeks and jaw, well-rounded thighs

and a full loin, make up a good constitution. A bull with these qualities is desirable.
The legs of a bull should be strong enough to carry its own weight and to carry him around to look for cows that are in
heat and to search for food when necessary. Successful mating of cows is ensured when a bull has strong legs.
2. Sex Character
Well-developed sex organs are characterized by fully descended testicles, deep wide chest, and broad head. These
qualities indicate virility and good reproduction.
Selecting Cattle for Fattening

SELECTING CATTLE FOR FATTENING

1. Age
Young animals have striking advantages over older cattle. They need less feed for every unit gain in weight because
they can masticate and ruminate thoroughly and can consume more feed in proportion to their body weight. Their
increase in weight is due partly to the growth of muscles and vital organs. In older cattle the increase is largely due to
fat deposits.
On the other hand, older animals as feeder stock also have advantages. Generally, a two-year old steer will require a
shorter feeding period than a calf or a yearling because the latter grows while it fattens.
Calves are choosy when given coarse and stemmy roughage, while two-year old steers utilize large quantities of
roughage to produce fat primarily because they have a better capacity to digest. In most cases, they readily relish the
feeds ordinarily rejected by the calves.
2. Disposition
An active yet mild, quiet, and easily-handled steer usually grows fast and fattens easily. Restless, nervous and erratic
cattle waste too much energy when they panic even at the slightest provocation.
3. Constitution and Vigor
These are determined by the size and quality of the vital organs. A large feeding capacity, strong appetite, a large heart
girth, well-sprung ribs and a wide, deep and full chest show good constitution and vigor.
4. Sex
In general, more steers than heifers are available for fattening because some heifers must be retained as herd
replacements.
If fed for the same period of time, steers gain about 10% faster than heifers and require 10 to 15% less feeds with equal
weight gain. On the other hand, young bulls have 20% greater gain in live weight and require 22% less feed to produce
a leaner carcass which is nearly of the same quality as that of steers.
5. Health Considerations
A healthy animal is active, has a soft and smooth hair coat, bright eyes and moist muzzle. Special attention should be
given to unsoundness and defects in conformation when selecting feeders. Animals that are blind, lame or with crooked
legs, rough skin, and evidence of ectoparasite should be avoided.
Feeding Management Practices

FEEDING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

1. Feed animals daily with concentrate one to two kilograms per day during fattening period. Give roughage daily at 3%
of
body
weight
if
given
air
dry
or
14%
if
given
fresh.
2. Give clean water without limit or ad libitum. Provide ordinary table salt about 30-50 grams per head per day.
3. Give the animals fresh, palatable feed and clean water at all times. Reduction of feed intake by 5 percent will reduce

weight gain by 10 percent. Do not overstock feeds in the feedbunk since the bottom portion will develop heat and make
the
feed
stale.
4. Mix feed properly. Have at least 15-20 percent roughage in feed to prevent bloat and other digestive disorders.
5. During rainy days, cattle will eat more during the daytime. During summer, they will eat more at night and during the
cooler
hours.
Provide
enough
feeds
during
these
periods.
6. Digestion will be more efficient if roughage is eaten separately from concentrates. Roughage consumption tends to
stimulate
saliva
secretion
up
to
as
much
as
80-120
liters
per
day.
7.
Providing
12-14
inches
of
bunk
space
per
head
will
allow
cattle
to
eat
slowly.
8. Schedule manure removal. If allowed to remain with the animals, deep, wet manure will reduce both feed intake and
weight gain