Unfortunately, today many rural residents refuse to keep cattle on their backyards, arguing that the state’s unwillingness to provide adequate support to the agricultural sector. And in vain, because the demand for milk and dairy products will always be. Therefore, do not wait for anyone to help if you can start your small but profitable business today.
Primary requirements
It should be understood that a home farm is a serious matter requiring an appropriate approach. First of all, it is necessary to determine the number of livestock, on which the method of keeping cows will depend. A small number of animals can be easily accommodated in stalls. Whereas for a whole herd of 50 individuals, it will be necessary to build separate boxes. The optimal stall area per cow is at least two squares. A channel for draining liquid waste should be equipped in the barn. In boxing, a door for cleaning manure must be provided. Usually it is placed opposite the feeder. In addition, during the construction of the barn, it is recommended to provide a direct and unhindered passage to each box.
A home dairy farm should be equipped with automatic systems for milking and spilling milk. Also, do not save on the purchase of devices for automatic water supply. At the request of the owner, the home farm can be equipped with a group or individual system of livestock feeders. The feed itself can be fed manually or automatically.
Materials for the construction of the barn
The room intended for keeping animals should be warm, dry, clean and bright. To create the optimal microclimate, log walls are the best suited. It is desirable to make the floor of the barn cement. In addition, it is imperative to provide for a slight slope for fluid drainage. This will help protect the room from moisture. It is recommended to lay a layer of clay concrete over the foundation and cover it with boards.
The ceiling is constructed of thick boards, which should be well fitted to each other. In addition, care must be taken to ensure that there are no gaps. To do this, they must be carefully caulked. On the floor you need to lay a regularly updated litter of sawdust or straw.
Land and premises
In practice, it is clear that for those who are seriously planning to breed cows, it is much more profitable to repair an existing older room. A home mini-farm is a rather costly and troublesome task, therefore, if possible, it is better to save on the construction of a new barn. The advantage of this option also lies in the fact that the restoration of the old premises will require much less time.
In addition, it is impractical to immediately organize large-scale production. At the initial stage, a home farm may well consist of 20 cows, the maintenance of which will require only two hired workers. On the territory of such a farm should be such buildings as:
- utility room;
- warehouse for feed;
- summer corral for cows;
- hangar for livestock.
To reduce the cost of feed, it is desirable that the home farm is located as close as possible to the pasture. In addition, all necessary engineering communications should be brought to it.
Animal acquisition
Since a home farm is generally considered a business for milk production it is necessary to buy a livestock of the corresponding breeds.Holstein cows, which are capable of producing about 12 thousand liters of milk annually, are especially popular. One of the main disadvantages of this breed can be considered that it is quite whimsical and needs regular veterinary monitoring. Yes, and high yields can be obtained for two and a half years. For maintenance in our conditions, such breeds as Yaroslavl, Kholmogorsk and black-motley are best suited. The cost of an adult is quite high, so many novice farmers prefer to buy young animals. But this is a dubious saving, because in order to grow it, it will take not only time, but also money.
How to feed animals?
As feeds, it is desirable to use perennial cereals, corn, oats and other zoned crops. In the diet of livestock must be present silo. If possible, concentrates can be purchased. But from an economic point of view, it is much more profitable to organize your own mini-workshop on feed production, which will not only provide feed for your animals, but also become an additional source of income. The main elements by which the diet of cows should be balanced are phosphorus, calcium and protein.
Production and marketing
Before a home farm is organized, a photo of which can be viewed on the pages of specialized publications, you need to take care of a possible distribution channel for products. Of course, you can sell milk to small dealers or shops, but it is not too reliable. Many of them agree to cooperate only on deferred payment terms, making final payments only after the sale of the goods.
Ideally, you need to find a way to large processing plants that constantly need raw materials. In addition, you can equip your own mini-workshop on the farm where milk will be processed. However, it is advisable to do this only after milk production has been fully established.
