Choosing and caring for your animal
Selecting the right breed for your needs is important, as well as managing animal waste and protecting your animals from predators.
After you have decided on a species, you will need to select a breed. There are large differences between breeds of all species. These include docility, growth rates, mature size, carcass quality, and many more. Research these differences well to select the breed best meeting your needs and situation. For example, some breeds may be better suited for indoor versus outdoor management systems. Nutritional requirements may vary between breeds. You should also consider safety and animal health issues if you are housing different species together.
Species and Breed
A key decision to make is which livestock species to grow to meet your needs. Would you prefer poultry, beef, lamb, goat, pork, rabbits, or fish? Would you like a species that also produces milk? Eggs?After you have decided on a species, you will need to select a breed. There are large differences between breeds of all species. These include docility, growth rates, mature size, carcass quality, and many more. Research these differences well to select the breed best meeting your needs and situation. For example, some breeds may be better suited for indoor versus outdoor management systems. Nutritional requirements may vary between breeds. You should also consider safety and animal health issues if you are housing different species together.