BUFFALO ANS 145 BEEF CATTLE

AND BUFFALO

MANAGEMENT PRODUCTION
 MANAGEMENT OF DRAFT
ANIMAL
• Even at the advent of farm mechanization, the carabao still plays the
important role in major farm operations.
• Proper nutrition is still given to draft animals. Aside from fresh
grasses, forages and crop residues, provide supplemental concentrate
at 1 – 2% of the animal Body weight.
• For better usage of carabao preferably male or bulls, it should be
castrated. However most carabaos used by farmer are female, thus it
is advisable to carefully plan the breeding program and cannot
hamper the farm operations.
 CARABAO FATTENING

• Feedlot fattening is one of the fastest ways to

increase carabeef production by providing animals
with good quality feeds and forages.
CLASSES OF CARABAO IN THE MARKET
• Feeder stock- about 2.5 – 3 years of age, home
grown or purchased in the market.
• Carabao below 3 years old not suited for breeding
• Retired work animals on account due to old age
 ADVANTAGES OF FEEDLOT
FATTENING
• Fattening of carabao may be attained in a reasonable length of
time depending on the management and nutrition.
• Less prone to disease
• Fully utilized the farm by-products.
• Housing does not required a large area. Floor allowance will
be provided in accordance to age:
4.7 sqm /animal – matured
2.8 - 3.7 sqm/animal – yearling
1.8 – 2.8 sqm/animal - caraheifer
 DISADVANTAGES OF
FEEDLOT FATTENING

• Requires a large capital investment, especially

for large-scale commercial scheme particularly
during purchasing of feeds and stocks.
• Availability of feeder stock may be limited in
commercial scale.
 FACTORS AFFECTING
FEEDLOT FATTENING
• There is money in feedlot fattening the same as the fattening of
cattle, whether it is in a backyard or commercial. Moreover, the
operation success depends on three factors: Feeds and Feeding,
Fattening Capacity of Stock and Feedlot Facilities.
• Feeds and Feeding
• Income of feedlot fattening mainly depends on the feeds provided and
labor in feeding to produce a kilogram weight gain to the totality of the
animal body weight especially in commercial fattening production.
 FACTORS AFFECTING
FEEDLOT FATTENING
Fattening Capacity of Stock
• The chosen stock must have the ability to convert feed efficiently in
body weight as much in a shorter period of time. Old and retired
animals on the other hand may not be comparable to younger stock
nut still they should be also feedlot farmed in order to improve their
marketability.
Feedlot Facilities
• In backyard operation animals intended for fattening are housed in
the shed made entirely from bamboo and nipa. Yet, it must be
provided facilities for the animals protection and comfort. Under
commercial production, animals should be provided with ideal floor
spacing, feeding area and watering area which is important.
 MANAGEMENT OF CARABAO
IN RANCH
• Ranching of carabao is a potential venture of business.
• The same a the cattle production systems. Yet, availability of water
components such as creeks, river and mud hole should be consider.
• Requisites for Good ranch Site:
• Location – The primary and vital component of ranching and should be
provided in extensive spacing and more area for expansion.
• Topography – Slight rolling feature and elevated land is desirable due
to proper drainage. Hilly lands not more than 30 degrees can be use.
• Water Availability
• Soil and Vegetation – Soil in ranch must be capable of growing
grasses and legumes for a year round cycle.