Dairy farming is a profitable business idea as dairy products are highly demanded, however to start up a dairy farm there are key steps that should be put into consideration.
However as one starts up a dairy farm consider purchasing healthy and vaccinated animals to reduce on death and disease incidences. Usually dairy animals require high nutrients than beef animals therefore improper nutrition lowers milk production. Furthermore before using any dairy farm equipment first find out the source of equipments to reduce disease transfer.
Key considerations
Start by conducting an extensive research on good animal breeds and contacting agricultural institutions for better decision making, estimation of production costs.
Secondly, decide on the food source that will be used to feed animals. Also look at land rental costs to easily determine how many cattle can be supported per unit area.
Ensure timely animal breeding. Artificial insemination is highly recommended since it is cheaper with higher success rates if performed correctly.
Furthermore, learn about the various animal management practices to gain more experience and knowledge.
Establish storage facilities, milking parlours, calf barns, water & pasture irrigation systems. Also inspect animals before purchase to identify abnormalities.
Always obtain advisory services from existing farmers, market sources and estimate production costs, market sources and profits.
Additionally, buy disease free animals, isolate during transportation and quarantine to control and avoid spread of diseases.
Regularly inspect animals for ticks and properly store feeds to avoid contamination. During milking ensure to milk animals in a clean place with washed, dried hands.
Lastly keep animal records to easily track animals cycles, and production costs and also plan before selling animals in order not to get rid of good quality breeds.
