So you want to raise livestock?

Whether you plan on raising chickens, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, or some other animal, there are  basics that you should know first before taking the jump into production. Keys to success in raising livestock include knowledge of goals, options, and resources. Knowing these key points will help to shape your farm and make it successful in the long run.

Goals and Options:

Your first step is to identify and evaluate your goals. Ask yourself why you want livestock. Is it because you want to produce a healthy food source for your family? Maybe you want livestock to manage the forage on your land? Or want livestock to produce and sell a fresh product to the public? Whatever the case, goals are instrumental in providing the founding steps to your new venture. 

 After you decide why you want animals, you need to determine what type of livestock will be compatible with your land. Some items to think about are number of acres you have available, township regulations, and property zoning. Maybe your township allows animals but only allows a certain number per acre.  If you only have one acre you probably will want to start with smaller animals, such as chickens.

You will also need to determine what type of operation you want to have. For example, if you know you want chickens, you will have to decide whether you want layers (egg production) or broilers (meat production). If you want to produce milk, you need to choose what kind of milk you want to produce such as goat milk or cow milk.

Knowing the specie of livestock you want to raise will help to evaluate what breed fits your needs. If you want to raise beef cattle and your goal is to be pasture based then you should choose a breed that produces more efficiently on pasture such as Belted Galloway. This is the same for all livestock. There are breeds that will produce better in certain conditions.

Resources:

What kind of resources do you already have available? Facilities, finances, equipment, and advisors are all important when it comes to resources.  Knowing what you have available to you before you start raising livestock will help you to be more prepared.

For production on small acres of land and for the beginning farmer, basic facilities are needed but they also depend on the type of animal you decide to raise. For cattle, head gates, chutes, and pens are needed to make it easier to handle them. Smaller livestock such as pigs, sheep, and goats need separate pens for handling. Feeders, troughs, fencing, and shelter are important for all species. Feeders are necessary if animals are being fed grain. Troughs or tubs are great for providing a daily water source to your animals if you don’t have access to an automatic waterer. Fencing is also important when caring for animals. Livestock need a sturdy electric fence that should be six strands or more depending on the species you are raising. Electric fencing helps to keep livestock in and predators out. Shelter or shade is another important aspect of raising livestock and most imperative during winter and summer months. Shelter is probably the best idea to have for your animals to stay dry and comfortable. If shelter is not available, shaded dry areas will work as well so animals can stay cool in the hot weather.  

Of course these points are just the basics. Raising animals can be quite rewarding as long as you are prepared by knowing your goals. Be familiar with the livestock you want to produce. Rely on resources around you to make educated decisions. Penn State Cooperative Extension educators, veterinarians, other producers, and industry specialists are people that you can rely on when you have questions or concerns.

Safety first- Livestock handling accidents last

Every year, hundreds of accidents occur on the farm whether it’s caused by livestock, tractors, machinery, or mistakes. According to statistics, one out of every six injuries is caused by livestock. There are actually more injuries from livestock on farms than tractors.

Livestock owners, most times, do not see their animals being a source of danger. Owners and caretakers realize that each animal has a different personality. Some even have thought of their animals as human beings because of their personalities and docility. Many times when this happens, owners forget that they are still animals and this is when injuries occur. It is important that safety is the number one priority when working with livestock.

Here are some tips to prevent accidents on the farm when working with livestock.

All livestock see things differently and can be startled very quickly by their surroundings. Cattle have almost 360 degree panoramic vision but cannot see directly behind them. All livestock animals see objects in black and white, not in color. All of these reasons explain why it is important to stay calm and avoid the animal’s blind spots when approaching them. The best areas to approach are the front or sides of the animal.

Most injuries are caused by startled animals. Many objects can frighten livestock such as lighting, shadows, strange animals, and loud noises. Cattle are sensitive to loud noises and can actually hear sounds that humans cannot hear. It is essential that when you are working with livestock you do not yell. High frequency sounds actually harm their ears.

To eliminate skittish animals, establish a routine for them to follow. This does not mean that they need to follow a strict minute by minute plan for the day. It does mean that feeding should be around the same time each day.

No matter how tame your animals are they are still have territorial instincts. Both males and females can be very protective of their area and younger animals. They have strong maternal traits and stand their ground when they are not accustomed to their surroundings. Bulls actually account for more than half of the livestock injuries and deaths. Use extreme caution when working with male livestock. Special facilities should be created to house males and eliminate the amount of time spent in the pen.

When working with animals it is also best to have a plan of action. Know what you need to do, how you will do it, and what are possible scenarios that could happen. For example, if you have to go into a corral with a mother and her newborn, know the plan of action before stepping foot in the pen. It is always best to plan an escape route as well. This could come in handy if the mother feels threatened or becomes territorial and shows off her maternal characteristics by coming after you. Plan ahead and know your way out to decrease the chance of injury.

If you need to take a closer look at your livestock, make sure you announce your presence before getting too close. If livestock are not aware of you when entering their pen, they can become frightened very easily. Talk to the animal quietly while entering the pen. This will eliminate any skittish behavior.

Livestock facilities design is also important to insure the animal’s safety and can minimize startled animals. Many injuries come from poor facilities and equipment. Concrete flooring with a grooved surface, correct drainage, sturdy fencing, eradicating sharp objects, and even lighting should be part of proper handling. Keeping equipment and facilities in good working order is a key part of livestock handling safety.

Finally, respect the livestock you own and do not fear them. The livestock are there to provide you with food and a profit. Know your animals and understand their behavior characteristics to properly take care of them. When you understand behavior it will be easier to work with them. Respect their size, capability, and strength and be alert at all times.

These tips will help you put safety first when working with livestock.