Livestock Development Corporation

Cattle Farming in PNG

Launakalana Cattle breeding Ranch in Central Province. Of the 500 cattle ferried across the Bismark Sea from Sialum in Morobe Province. 100 of them were transferred to the feedlot at Tiaba before processing at the abattoir
Tiaba Abattoir and Stockyard 12mile along Sogeri road had been ran down over couple decades and area inhabited by illegal settlers. Now refurbished and reclaimed to provide feeding lot for cattle
Uprooting of raintree stumps at Tiaba to plant cattle feeding grass and forage. LDC operations team and the Managing Director work overtime to ensure work continues regardless of whether and time

Commercial cattle farming involves raising cattle primarily for production purposes, including beef, milk, and other by-products. The essential elements involved in commercial cattle farming includes:

1. Types of Cattle

  • Beef Cattle: Raised for meat production. Common breeds include Angus, Hereford, and Brahman.
  • Dairy Cattle: Raised primarily for milk. Popular breeds include Holstein, Jersey, and Guernsey.

2. Production Systems

  • Grass-Fed: Cattle are raised on pasture, which can be sustainable but may require more land.
  • Grain-Finished: Cattle are fed a grain diet in feedlots to promote faster weight gain before slaughter.
  • Dairy Farming: Focused on milking cattle, with specific facilities and practices for milk production.

3. Breeding Practices

  • Genetic Selection: Utilizing superior genetics to enhance traits such as growth rate, disease resistance, and milk production.
  • Artificial Insemination (AI): Used for breeding to improve genetic diversity and meet production goals.

4. Nutrition Management

  • Balanced diets are crucial for optimal growth and production. This typically includes:

    • Forages: Grasses and legumes.
    • Grains: Corn and soybean meal for energy.
    • Minerals and Vitamins: Essential for overall health and production.

5. Health Care and Management

  • Regular Veterinary Care: Monitoring for diseases and maintaining vaccinations and health programs.
  • Herd Management: Keeping records of breeding, health, and production to make informed decisions.

6. Environmental and Welfare Practices

  • Implementing sustainable practices such as rotational grazing to improve soil health.
  • Complying with animal welfare standards to ensure humane treatment of cattle.

7. Marketing and Sales

  • Understanding market demands and consumer preferences.
  • Strategies may include direct sales, contracts with processors, or participating in livestock auctions.

8. Financial Aspects

  • Initial investment in land, cattle, and facilities can be significant.
  • Ongoing costs include feed, veterinary care, and labor.
  • Profitability is influenced by market conditions and production efficiency.

Challenges

  • Market Fluctuations: Prices for beef and dairy can be volatile.
  • Climate Change: Weather impacts feed availability and herd health.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to local and national laws regarding farming practices.