Recommended Strategies and Breeds for Newbies in Animal Production

The process of entering livestock farming poses to applicants the crucial question of “Which breed do I start with?” The answer to this question is not universal and is linked to various factors, such as the time available and whether the intention is to focus on the production of meat, milk, or dual purpose.

In the Dominican Republic, the livestock scenario reveals that the majority of farms are dual-purpose, approximately 60 or 70%. The remainder is divided between meat and dairy farming, the latter being a frequent choice due to their constant generation of income, especially through daily milking.

In the choice of breeds for beef farming, the Brahman, Brown Swiss, and Angus stand out, breeds adapted to the tropics and with more accessible costs. On the other hand, if you opt for dairy farming, breeds such as Holsteins, Jerseys, and Ayrshires are recommended for their milk production, although with important nutritional requirements. In this context, dairy farming is considered a daily business that demands constant attention, while beef farming offers a more relaxed approach to the medium and long term. In both options, adequate animal feeding is a critical factor to optimize production. On the path to strengthening livestock genetics in the Dominican Republic, the introduction of international breeds has contributed to improving the quality of livestock in the country.