Did you know that small livestock can be an excellent alternative to small farms? In addition to being a profitable investment, it brings several benefits to the environment and the local economy. If you are thinking of starting your livestock, this post is essential! Here we will present all the advantages of small livestock and how to start from scratch. Prepared(a)? So let's go!
What is small livestock farming?
Small livestock is the agricultural activity focused on the creation of animals in small farms. Generally, producers of this type of agriculture are supported by their own consumption or local marketing, without large investments.
In order to diversify production and generate extra income, some farms choose to raise animals for their own consumption or marketing. The activity has advantages for the producer, who can take advantage of the available space on the farm and also contribute to the environment.
The different types of small livestock
Small livestock is a very common economic activity in Brazilian rural properties. Generally, animals are raised for their own consumption or for the sale of meat, leather, wool and other derived products. However, there are several types of small livestock that can be developed, each with its own characteristics and purposes.
The first type is cattle breeding. Cattle are herbivorous animals that feed mainly on pastures. They are bred to produce meat, milk and derivatives, leather and wool. The most popular breeds of cattle raised on Brazilian rural properties are nellore cattle (Brazil) and Angus cattle (United States).
The second type is pig farming.Pigs are omnivorous animals that feed on both vegetables and meat. They are raised on farms for the production of meat, dairy and hair. The most popular breeds of pigs raised in Brazil are the Cinta Larga Pig (Brazil) and Yorkshire (England).
The third type is poultry breeding. Birds are animals with a wide variety, including chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. They are bred to produce meat, eggs and other products. The most popular breeds of poultry bred in Brazil are the free-range, Indian and the’angola hens.
Finally, there are other forms of smaller livestock such as goats, sheep, horses and others that can also be exploited on Brazilian farms.
What is the ideal size of the property for small livestock?
There is no ideal size of property for small livestock. The activity can be carried out on properties of various sizes, provided that there is room for breeding and the necessary facilities. However, it is important to take into account the size of the area available for the activity, as well as the number of animals that will be raised.
Which animals are best suited for small livestock farming
When thinking about small livestock, it is important to consider the type of animal you want to raise. Some animals are more suitable for small livestock than others. For example, cattle are large animals and need a lot of space to live and move. This means that a property needs to have at least one hectare (10,000 square meters) of area to create a herd of cattle. On the other hand, sheep and goats are smaller animals and can be raised on properties with less available area. Another factor to be considered is the climate of the region where the property is located. If the region is predominantly warm, it is better to opt for animals that are resistant to animals, however, such animals are more suitable for animals are animals, such animals are resistant to be adapted to animals.
