Sector information: livestock farming

There are different types of livestock farms that focus on keeping and raising different animal species for different purposes. Here are some of the most common types of livestock farms:

• Dairy farms: Dairy farms focus on raising cows to produce milk. The milk can be sold as drinking milk or processed into dairy products such as cheese, butter and yogurt.
• Livestock farms: Livestock farms raise livestock, such as cattle or calves, for meat production. They focus on breeding and growing animals to slaughter weight.
• Pig farms: Pig farms raise and raise pigs for pork production. These farms range from small-scale farms to large-scale businesses.
• Poultry farming: Poultry farms focus on raising birds such as chickens, turkeys or ducks for the production of meat and eggs. This includes broilers as well as laying hens.
• Sheep and goat farms: These farms raise sheep and goats for the production of meat (lamb and goat meat), milk and wool.
• Horse farming: Horse farms focus on keeping and breeding horses, both for recreation and for specific purposes such as horse racing or sports.
• Rabbit farming: Rabbit farms keep rabbits for meat production, fur and in some cases as pets.
• Beekeeping (beekeeping): Although not technically animal husbandry, beekeeping includes the keeping of bee colonies for the production of honey and other bee products.
• Aquaculture: Aquaculture involves raising aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans and shellfish in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks or net pens in bodies of water.
• Fur farms: Fur farms raise animals such as mink or foxes for their fur.
• Special or exotic livestock farms: These farms focus on raising special or exotic animals, such as alpacas, ostriches or deer, for meat, wool or other products.
• Mixed livestock: Some businesses combine different types of livestock activities, such as raising both dairy cows and beef cattle, to achieve diversification.

What to look out for when buying a livestock farm

Taking over a livestock farm is a complicated step that requires careful planning, thorough research and a deep understanding of the livestock industry. Here are some important aspects to consider when considering the acquisition of a livestock operation:

• Livestock farm type: Understand the specific type of livestock farm you want to acquire, such as dairy farm, beef farm, hog farm, poultry farm, etc. Each type has its own unique challenges and requirements.
• Livestock: Assess the health, quality and genetics of the existing livestock. Look at age, condition, production performance (milk, meat, eggs, etc.) and reproductive health.
• Infrastructure and facilities: Check the condition of stalls, pens, feed and water storage facilities, and other infrastructure. Make sure they are suitable for the chosen livestock farm.
• Nutrition and Health: Understand the feeding program and health care followed for livestock. Provide veterinary reports and documentation of disease control.
• Environmental and ethical considerations: Assess the impact of livestock production on the environment and ensure it complies with animal welfare regulations and ethical standards.
• Production cycle and seasonality: Understand the livestock production cycle and the seasonal nature of the livestock industry. Plan for peaks and troughs in demand and production.
• Supply Chain: Research the supply chain for feed, medicine, breeding stock and other supplies. Provide reliable and cost-effective sources.
• Legal regulations: Check if the livestock farm meets all local, regional and national regulations regarding animal welfare, food safety and environmental regulations.