importance of cattle rearing

Importance of Cattle rearing, also known as cattle farming or livestock farming, is the practice of raising and breeding cattle for various purposes.

It has significant importance in agriculture, food production, and the economy of many regions worldwide. Here are some key reasons why cattle rearing is important:

religiously, there are no boundaries as to certain people forbidden to eat or have anything to do with cattle and its products. So, having said these things let us take a closer look at some of the importance of cattle rearing

Importance of Cattle rearing

the various importance of cattle rearing are as follows

1. Food Production: Cattle are a primary source of meat, particularly beef, which is a significant protein source for humans. Beef provides essential nutrients, including protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, making it an important component of many diets globally.
2. Dairy Production: Cattle are raised for their milk, which is used to produce a wide range of dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, and butter. These dairy products are important sources of calcium, protein, and other nutrients in the human diet.
3. Leather and Hide Production: as one of the importance of cattle rearing, Cattle provide hides and skins used in the leather industry. Leather is used for making various products, including shoes, bags, belts, and upholstery.
4. Draft Power: In some regions, cattle are used as draft animals for ploughing fields and transportation of goods. They play a crucial role in traditional farming practices in many parts of the world.
5. Manure and Fertilizer: Cattle manure is a valuable source of organic fertilizer. It can be composted and used to enrich soil fertility, improve crop yields, and enhance agricultural sustainability.
6. Economic Livelihood: Cattle rearing is a source of livelihood for many farmers and pastoral communities. It generates income through the sale of livestock, meat, milk, and related products.
7. Genetic Diversity: Cattle breeding programs contribute to the conservation of genetic diversity within cattle populations. This diversity can be valuable for breeding purposes and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
8. Rural Development: Cattle farming can contribute to rural development by providing employment opportunities, improving infrastructure, and supporting local economies.
9. By-products: Cattle provide various by-products, including bones, horns, and hooves, which can be used in the production of items such as bone meal, buttons, and glue.
10. Sustainability: Sustainable cattle farming practices, such as rotational grazing and agroforestry, can help maintain healthy ecosystems, prevent soil erosion, and support biodiversity conservation.
11. Cultural and Traditional Significance: In many cultures, cattle hold significant cultural and symbolic value. They play roles in ceremonies, rituals, and traditional practices.
12. Biogas Production: Cattle dung can be used in biogas production, providing an alternative and renewable source of energy for cooking and heating.
13. Research and Education: Cattle serve as subjects for scientific research and educational purposes, helping to advance knowledge in fields such as animal science, veterinary medicine, and genetics.

1. Beef, which is a rich source of protein, is obtained from cattle, beef is the general name of cattle meat. it is widely eaten by many around the world and sometimes used for religious purposes.

labelled parts of a cattle

2. Milk is also a major product from dairy cows. most liquid milk or powdered types are extracted from cattle farms. milk is a good source of energy and fats for healthy living.

3. Hides and skin of cattle are used for various industrial purposes, this is particularly leather works and is one of the most important of cattle rearing

4. the horns and hooves obtained from cattle rearing are used for making various household wares, e.g. knives, ashtrays, etc. 5. Cattle production provides employment to many people directly or indirectly.

importance of cattle rearing

6. the rearing of cattle Provides income to the farmer through selling its meat and other products 7. The dung of cattle serves as a good source of farm yard manure for crop growers.

8. The bones obtained from cattle supply minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and sodium when included in animal feeds

they are extracted and taken factory where they are grinded and mixed with other forms of feeds

Some Terms Associated with Cattle Production

1. Bull: an adult male cattle
2. Cow: adult female cattle.
3. Bullock or steet or Slag: a castrated male cattle.
4. Heifer: a young female cattle which has not had a calf, usually under I2 months old.
5. Yearling: a young cattle usually between 12 to 24 months.
6. Veal: the beef of young cattle.

7. Vealers: calves reared for veal production. They are usually slaughtered when 3 months old.
8. Colostrum: a kind of milk produced by a cow three to four days after delivery.
9. Calving: the act of delivery in cows.
10. Servicing: mating of a cow by a bull.
11. Castration: removal of the male testes.

12. Heat period: the period when the cow is ready to receive the bull for servicing. It occurs mid-way through the oestrus cycle.
13. Oestrus cycle: the time interval between one heat period and another.

14. Gestation Period: This is the period of pregnancy. In cows, it lasts for 281-283 days i.e. about 9 months.
15. Udder: The breast of cows.

 Types of Cattle and their importance

There are different types of cattle depending on the purpose for which they are kept. These include 1. Beef-type cattle: Those kept for beef or meat production purposes, e.g. Ndama. Muturu. Keteku. etc. 2. Dairy cattle: Those kept for milk production purposes, e.g. white Fulani. Buraji. etc.

3. Workcatde: These are cattle kept for work purposes. They are used to doing odd jobs in farms like
pulling ploughs, e.g. Sokoto gudali. Kanrej. etc.

4. Dual-purpose cattle: These are kept for more than one purpose. They could be kept for milk production and at the same time for beef production, e.g. Sokoto gudali.

the above listed are some of the importance of cattle rearing globally

(d) Breeds of cattle

The following are common breeds of cattle in Nigeria

(i) Humpless Cattle: Krui, Ndama, Muturu
(ii) Humped or Xebu Cattle: Red bororo. Sokoto gudali, Shuwa Cattle, white Fulani

(b) Foreign or exotic breeds: These can be grouped into two:
(i) Dairy breeds: e.g. Holstein Friesian. Brown Swiss. Red Den and New Jersey.
(ii) Beef breeds: e.g. Hereford. Aberdeen Angus. Red devon. Etc.

 Management Systems in Cattle rearing

Cattle can be managed under any of the following systems: (i) Extensive System: This is the traditional method of cattle production. It is commonly practised in tropical countries of this system, cattle are moved from one grazing land to the other depending

1. on the availability of grass. Most cattle in Nigeria are reared under this system. When becomes scarce in the dry season, the animals are moved Is where there is denser vegetation. The animals are In graze under the control of a herdsman. Don’t forget to use the comment box and leave a message or suggestion and we will get back to you within seconds.

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