Alternative Livestock Species for Colorado Landscapes
Kurt M. Jones
Chaffee County Extension Director
February, 2000
Raising alternative livestock is gaining in popularity throughout Colorado.
Though reasons for this growth are as varied as the individuals who raise
them, many common reasons are stated. Some landowners wish to raise livestock,
but lack sufficient land resources to economically raise traditional livestock.
Some feel this may help diversify existing traditional livestock operations,
or may be a good means of deriving an income from their land investment.
Others use domesticated wildlife to enhance their complimentary business
enterprises (elk ranching combined with bed and breakfast, for instance).
Whatever the reasons for getting started in raising alternative livestock,
several areas should be explored before making any decisions. Are you under
and regulatory, covenant, or zoning restrictions for raising alternative
livestock? Will the land resource meet the nutrient requirements for the
animals, or will supplemental feeds need to be provided? Will the potential
profits (economic and recreation/enjoyment) outweigh the fixed and operating
costs? These and many other questions should be objectively answered prior
to initiating this unique enterprise.
General Considerations
Alternative livestock species are similar to their domestic counterparts
in many respects. Many of the profit-centers revolve around reproductive
efficiency. Reproduction depends on an adequate plane of nutrition, health
of the animals, and other factors. An understanding of the animals' needs
are essential for a successful alternative livestock enterprise.
Unlike domestic livestock operations, many alternative livestock enterprises
must be licensed to operate in the state of Colorado. The Colorado Department
of Agriculture assumes these regulatory requirements under the Brand Inspection
Division. According to a press release available on their web site, they
administer 37,000 brands to identify ownership on cattle, sheep, mules,
burros, horses, elk and fallow deer. They also license and inspect elk
and fallow deer facilities.
One problem that alternative livestock owners faced in the past was
the lack of qualified veterinary care for sick animals. Through specialization
of veterinary students, increased demand for treating alternative livestock
species, and increased diversification of skills in veterinarians, this
problem is becoming less and less. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to locate
a veterinarian knowledgeable and willing to treat alternative livestock
species. They will also be helpful in setting up a sound herd health program
for the prevention of disease. This will benefit from increased weight
gains and production of other products.
One negative aspect associated with some small-acreage landowners is
the lack of stewardship on grazing lands. Overgrazing, manure mismanagement,
and other mistakes by a few have created a negative impression in the eyes
of legislators and neighboring landowners. Care must be exercised in how
byproducts of any livestock
enterprise are handled. Dust, flies, manure,
stored feed, and other necessities of animal management must be planned
on and managed in ways that are friendly to neighboring landowners and
businesses.
Facility design and building materials are important for any livestock
enterprise, but especially for alternative livestock enterprises. Some
design details are regulated (fencing and setbacks), but some are a convenience
for animal management or aesthetics. It may be helpful to network with
current livestock owners to evaluate their facility design.
Networking with people currently involved in raising alternative livestock
may help avoid pitfalls and novice mistakes. Observation of various management
activities, facility design, and development of markets for products will
help the industry remain viable for several years to come. Many breed associations
are also active for alternative livestock species.
The following sections offer a small
glimpse of several common alternative livestock species raised in Colorado.
This bulletin does not address all the details needed to start a new alternative
livestock enterprise, rather it should stimulate additional questions and
areas for further research. Resources for additional information are cited
below.
Buffalo
Buffalo are herd animals. In the wild, bulls will form separate herds,
joining the cow herd only during breeding season. In domesticated herds,
they are not able to follow this practice. Instead, buffalo follow structured
social orders (pecking orders) determined by age, size and gender. This
pecking order is much more strongly enforced in buffalo herds than in domestic
cattle, and serious injury can result from ignoring this social order.
Buffalo are well-adapted to Colorado's winters because of their tolerance
to cold temperatures and ability to utilize low-quality forages. Historically,
eastern Colorado rangelands evolved under grazing pressures from buffalo
herds. These rangelands often work well for supporting domestic herds of
buffalo.
Products
Buffalo may be marketed for their meat and by-products, for recreational
hunting, and as breeding stock. The demand for buffalo meat has been increasing
in recent years because consumers believe it to be of lower fat than beef
or pork. By-products include mounted buffalo heads, skulls and hides. A
mounted head or robe may be worth about $600. Trophy hunting is also in
demand with some hunters willing to pay as much as $1,500 to $3,500 for
collection of mature bulls.
Buffalo meat is normally processed on the farm, with meat being shipped
directly to restaurants. Established producers have enjoyed premium prices
for meat delivered this way, but new producers may encounter challenges
breaking into this market. Some slaughter plants are accepting buffalo,
but the prices received are generally less than through direct marketing.
Creative approaches to marketing are necessary to receive top dollar.
Reproduction
Buffalo cows can remain reproductively productive until 20 years of
age, allowing for lowered replacement needs and potentially lowered annual
cow costs as compared with cattle. Cows can be bred at three years of age,
while bulls can be used for breeding at two unless an older bull is competing
for breeding rights. With good nutrition, calving rates of 85 percent or
higher are realistic (calves weaned per cow exposed). Bull calves can be
finished at 1,100 to 1,200 pounds at 24 to 30 months of age.
The breeding season begins in May or June with a gestation length of
approximately 287 days. Calving season should therefore begin in April,
with average birthweights of 45 to 55 pounds. Some managers will wean calves
in the fall, while others allow the cows to wean on their own. The condition
of the cows, management requirements, and facilities will dictate this
management choice.
Health Management
Buffalo are susceptible to the same diseases as cattle. Brucellosis
is of particular importance. Heifers should be vaccinated between four
and nine months of age. Replacement animals should originate from brucellosis-free
herds. Calves and cows should be treated against worms in the fall. This
is also a good time to administer any additional inoculations recommended
by your veterinarian.
Nutritional Requirements
Buffalo require between 1.5 and 2.0 percent of their body weight in
feed every day for maintenance. This calculates out to a tremendous forage
and supplemental feed requirement. They are better at converting feed than
are domestic cattle, allowing them to be stocked at similar rates as cattle.
Caution should be exercised to avoid overgrazing.
Buffalo and cattle diets and nutrient requirements are very similar.
Finishing diets normally consist of concentrates such as corn, wheat screenings,
etc., and roughage. Buffalo on finishing rations will consume 2.5 to 3.5
percent of their body weight. Remember to include at least 10 percent roughage
to insure rumen health and function.
Facilities
Because of the size and nature of buffalo, facility requirements will
be greater than that of cattle. Corrals and working chutes should be 7
to 8 feet tall with cat walks on the outside to aid in handling. A "hands-off"
approach when moving buffalo are necessary to insure handler's safety.
A sturdy squeeze chute is a necessity for handling animals. A 5 to 6 strand
barbed wire fence with wood or steel posts placed 12 to 14 feet apart will
keep buffalo in the pasture if sufficient feed is available. Though buildings
are not necessary, some shelter from wind will benefit handlers. Sturdy
trailers with a roof are adequate for hauling animals.
Economics
The most viable profits are made from the sale of meat, but good returns
can be realized from the sale of by-products (depending on location) and
the sale of breeding animals. It is important in getting started to purchase
newly weaned or young animals as they more-readily adapt to new areas and
facilities. This may postpone income generation for more than a year while
the animals mature and begin producing products. Careful consideration
should be exercised to evaluate the costs and potential income before investing.
Further Information
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 292-2833
Box 219
Carrington, ND 58421-0219
http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/carringt/
One of the fastest growing alternative livestock species is the domestic
elk. These majestic animals attract many newcomers every year, aiding in
its current good profitability for many producers.
Captive elk production is relatively new to Colorado, though has been
active in Canada, New Zealand, and states like Missouri. It is gaining
in popularity because elk adapt well to many different habitats (Norwood
vs. Fort Collins). Colorado also enjoys an active breeders association
which actively promotes the business' expansion.
Products
Elk ranching produces a number of diverse products including meat, antlers
(termed velvet), breeding stock, trophy hunting, and tourism. Of the least
importance at this time is the meat production, but this area is growing
every day.
Velvet is harvested approximately 70 days after regrowth begins. It
is used as an aphrodisiac in Korea, but is also used to treat anemia, arthritis,
menopausal complaints and others. A yearling spike bull will produce 2.5
to 3.0 pounds of antler at 70 days, while a mature bull will produce 15
to 25 pounds each year. The value fluctuates greatly, and can be between
$35 to $115 per pound depending on quality and current demand.
Breeding stock is the most valuable product produced. Many elk ranches
will offer "start-up" packages including breeding stock, feed, and fencing
materials for new investors. In 1996, reported values of breeding animals
were $3,800 for yearling females and $1,800 for yearling males.
Some ranches have developed a complimentary business with their elk
ranches. For an initial investment and monthly fees, an investor can own
or lease an elk which they will board on their facility. They may also
have a bed and breakfast on their property to take advantage of tourism
dollars. Cull bulls are especially valuable for trophy hunting as well.
Reproduction
The breeding season normally runs through September and October (termed
rut). During this time, bulls should be separated to avoid injuries caused
by dominance fighting. With good nutrition, cows may be bred at 2 years.
The gestation length is 250 days, making calving in May and June. Calves
weigh between 30 and 40 pounds, and generally do not require assistance
with the birth. Cows remain in the breeding herd for several years, and
culling decisions are normally done in December during regular pregnancy
testing.
Health Management
Elk are susceptible to many of the same diseases as domestic cattle.
Animal's imported into Colorado must originate from farms tested for Tuberculosis.
They should also be from brucellosis-free herds as well. Parasite control
should also be practiced. Timing and frequency will be dependent on location.
A qualified veterinarian should be consulted to discuss vaccination schedules
and parasite control.
Nutritional Requirements
In the wild, elk will graze on grasses during the growing season because
of the relatively high nutrient content. During the Fall and Winter months
when the nutrient content of grasses is lower, elk will browse more forbs
and shrubs along with grasses to keep their plane of nutrition adequate.
In captivity, elk will consume many of the same harvested feeds as cattle,
but show a preference towards legume hays mixed with grass hays. Some concentrates
may be fed during the winter to boost the energy and protein content of
their diets to avoid losing too much condition. Like cattle, protein is
the most economical feed supplement.
Facilities
Colorado requires that perimeter fencing for elk ranching be at least
8 feet high with 12 foot posts placed every 15 feet. Animal handling facilities
should also be built to accommodate their proficient leaping ability. They
should also be solid so the animals cannot see through them and will flow
easily. Alleyways should be narrower than for cattle so they won't turn
around. A chute for handling the animals is handy for many management activities.
Trailers should be tall enough to accommodate the animals as well.
Economics
Initial start-up costs can be prohibitive for many investors, and should
be weighed against potential profits. Creative marketers have enjoyed the
largest successes in the elk ranching business. There are also opportunities
to form cooperatives to market commodities such as velvet and meats. Direct
marketing of products (meats, hunting) and services (tourism, boarding)
show the greatest returns on invested time, but can be slow to develop
and can depend on location.
Further Information
1. North American Elk Breeders Association
1708 North Prairie View Road
Platte City, MO 64079
2. Colorado Elk and Game Breeders Association
http://www.wapiti.net/co/cegba.htm
3. Kurt Jones-(719) 539-6447
Emu
Emus are ratites which encompass a group of flightless birds. Other
ratites include the ostrich, kiwi, rhea, and cassowary. Emus have poorly
developed wings, making them flightless, and have three toes on each foot
whereas the ostrich has only two.
Emus are native to Australia. Commercial production there and in the
United States is a relatively new enterprise however. They tend to be rather
docile, but injuries to humans can be sustained through improper handling.
Products
Emus are produced for their leather, meat, oil and breeding purposes.
Leather is used in clothing, and is finer textured than cattle or ostrich
leathers. Emu meat has been marketed as a low-fat, low cholesterol red
meat, again similar to ostrich. Average carcass weight is about 80 pounds
with a dressing percentage of about 54 percent. Emu is a speciality meat,
demanding high retail prices from a select consumer base. Emu oil has been
marketed as a skin care product in Australia for years. U.S. producers
are developing markets for emu oil here as well. Of least importance is
the breeding-stock market. Eggs and hatchlings can be purchased, but it
does not play a significant economic role.
Reproduction
Emu reach maturity at 18 months to two years of age. Males and females
are normally paired in a 1:1 ratio, though polygamous mating may have potential.
Many emu will begin producing in their second year. Emus lay eggs every
three to four days during the months of November to March. Average total
clutches will be about 30 eggs per season. The incubation period is about
50 days, but is dependent on temperature. Incubators set for the ideal
97 degree F temperature will tighten the incubation period to 49-52 days.
Humidity settings should be between 24 to 35 percent. Eggs should also
be turned four to six times per day. Even under these ideal conditions,
hatchability remains at 50 to 80 percent. Care of the newly hatched birds
is covered in the "facilities" section to follow.
Health Management
Internal and external parasite control is important. Nematodes are of
particular concern, but are easily controlled by monthly worming treatments.
Carbaryl dust has been effective at controlling tick infestations in ratites.
Control of biting insects will improve production and also lower incidence
of diseases carried by insects. Vaccinations recommended for emu include
Eastern Equine Encephalitis and sometimes avian pox. Consult your local
veterinarian about preventative health practices.
Nutritional Requirements
There are commercial ratite feed rations available, though these can
become costly for large operations. Smaller flock owners may appreciate
the convenience of this feed source. Most protein contents range from 16
to 22 percent. Unfortunately, there has not been sufficient scientific
research on emu nutrition, though similarities between the emu and chicken
suggest their nutritional requirements to be similar.
Breeding rations often contain additional calcium, but having free-choice
oyster shells may be beneficial. Whether feeding in self feeders or in
multiple trips, be sure to interact with the birds often and check for
illness.
Problems have been observed in some farms when feeding higher protein
contents in growth of younger chicks. Sone farmers feed newly hatched chicks
a mixture of newly chopped greens, a commercial starter crumble and a vitamin/mineral
supplement. The greens are thought to attract the young chicks to the feeder
and stimulate feed consumption.
Facilities
Because emu adults are rather docile, expensive, secured fencing and
handling facilities are not needed as with previous species. Recommended
pen size for an adult emu pair is about 1/8 to 1/4 acre. Five-foot fencing
should be adequate, but some recommend six foot fences. A quarantine pen
will be helpful in isolating sick animals or when introducing new animals
into herd. Incubators and hatchling crates are necessary to insure successful
propagation. New hatchlings cannot regulate their body temperatures for
about the first three months. Hatchling crates are helpful for maintaining
temperatures of 90 to 95 degrees F for the first three days. After this
initial time, the temperature can be decreased five degrees every two weeks
until the birds are acclimatized.
Breeding pairs select their mates in large communal pens. After this
selection, the pair should be moved into individual pens after pairing
up. Shelters should be provided against wind and elements, and should have
good lighting. Emus will nest inside well-lit shelters. Good bedding will
also encourage indoor nesting, and will aid in egg collection.
Emus are calmest during the dark, nighttime hours. When transporting
emus, travel at night as this is the least traumatic on the animals. Hooding
aggressive animals when handling them also appears to have the same calming
effect as nightfall.
Economics
As demand for emu products grow in the United States, so will expected
returns. Emu oil skin products show encouraging returns on investments.
Increased demands for meat production will also be necessary to keep this
industry viable. Initial start-up costs are lower than many alternative
livestock enterprises, encouraging new businesses to form.
Further Information
Dallas, TX 75374
Ostrich
A close cousin to the emu is the ostrich. Ostriches are more readily
recognized as alternative livestock species because they have been raised
for many years in the United States. They have been looked down upon in
recent years because they were marketed as a "get rich quick" species.
Many of the investors who bought into this marketing approach did not find
this pot of gold, and since have been warned against this risky venture.
Products
Ostriches are raised for their leather, meat, and breeding purposes.
Ostrich meat is marketed as a low-fat, low-cholesterol red meat, similar
to emu. Carcass weights will be slightly larger than emu.
Reproduction
Domestic ostriches reach maturity at 2 to 3 years of age, but normally
live from 30 to 70 years in captivity. The breeding season begins in March
or April and lasts through September. Shortly after mating, the female
will lay a clutch of 12 to 15 eggs; one every other day. Total egg production
during the breeding season is about 40 to 50 eggs.
African ostrich producers prefer natural incubation while U.S. producers
practice artificial incubation. Incubation lasts 42 days under ideal temperature
of 98 degrees F and humidity levels of 35 to 40 percent. New hatchling
care is similar to emu chick care described earlier.
Health Management
Ostriches are susceptible to the same health concerns as emus raised
in captivity. Parasite control is necessary to maintain healthy birds.
Well-ventilated buildings with good traction floors are also necessary.
Consult your local veterinarian about preventative health practices.
Nutritional Requirements
Ostrich nutritional requirements are similar to emus, with the same
problems of little scientific research conducted on its reliability. There
are commercial ratite feed rations available, though these can become costly
for large operations. Smaller flock owners may appreciate the convenience
of this feed source.
Breeding rations often contain additional calcium, but having free-choice
oyster shells may be beneficial. Whether feeding in self feeders or in
multiple trips, be sure to interact with the birds often and check for
illness.
Facilities
Ostriches rely on their speed for avoiding danger. They can reach speeds
of 30 to 50 miles per hour and sustain those speeds for 30 minutes. Pen
design should account for their propensity to run, but not large enough
for them to become skittish or hard to control. Fence heights should be
about six foot, with alleyways constructed for ease of moving animals.
These alleyways will also separate the males during breeding season to
avoid "fence fighting" injuries. Wind break shelters with good bedding
will encourage nesting indoors.
Ostriches drink by scooping water into their beak. Therefore, they need
water containers that are 5 to 8 inches deep and 24 to 30 inches wide to
accommodate them.
Economics
Large sums of money paid for breeding pairs are likely a thing of the
past. Creative marketing of other products such as meat, leather and by-products
(feathers and eggs) will be necessary to remain a viable enterprise. Since
the cheapest means of entering the business is to buy eggs and incubate
them, revenues will be three years out from initial investment. As breeding
pairs continue to decrease in value, this trend will become less and less
of a problem.
Further Information
1. American Ostrich Association
3840 Hulen Street, Suite 210
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Miniature Horses and Donkeys
Miniature horses are becoming a popular recreational animal. They are
known as a height breed. Only horses who measure 34 inches or under may
be registered with the American Miniature Horse Association. They have
been touted for their usefulness in companionship and rehabilitation, as
well as used for pulling carts. Costume Classes are a favorite at fairs
and shows throughout the United States. During the 16th century,
they were developed for children of Royalty, and considered prized possessions.
Products
Miniature horses are raised for pleasure, breeding stock, and tourism.
Miniature horse farms in Chaffee County often have wide shoulders along
major highways for tourists to pull over and watch these unique animals.
Reproduction
Miniature horses closely resemble their taller cousins. The pure strains
of miniatures trace their roots back to the Falabella Farms in Argentina.
Pure Falabella stock is extremely rare and valuable, with less than 700
known pure Falabellas in the world.
Normal gestation is 330 to 350 days. Though mares taller than 34 inches
cannot be registered, they can produce foals shorter than this benchmark
which can be registered. Many farms charge a premium for mares under 34
inches which may not be necessary for purchasing breed stock. Height is
a relatively heritable characteristic, so caution should be exercised when
selecting breeding animals taller than 34 inches. There are numerous articles
and publications available to learn more about equine reproduction, foaling,
and foal care.
Health Management
Miniature horses require similar health precautions as their taller
cousins. Horses and donkeys should be regularly vaccinated against the
equine encephalitis', tetanus, and other diseases according to your veterinarian.
They should also regularly be treated for internal parasites every two
to six months. Pastures and pens should be clear of obstructions to avoid
physical injuries.
Nutritional Requirements
Miniature horses and donkeys will eat 1.5 to 2 percent of their body
weight on a daily basis. The majority of their nutrients can be found in
harvested hays or native pastures. Some supplemental concentrates can be
provided for active horses and for training purposes. Avoid sudden feed
changes, feeding grain on the ground, and regularly worm animals to avoid
colic. Colic is an intestinal ailment which can be fatal in severe cases.
4701 Marion St., Suite 100
Carrington Research Extension Center
P.O. Box 740814