One common mistake in ruminant fattening is stocking calves and very young animals. Farmers may prioritize numbers, but younger stock often creates unnecessary management challenges. Choose wisely.

Without their mothers, calves can struggle during the transition from weaning to growing. Poor adaptation may affect feeding, development, health, and eventual profitability. Good management matters.

Limited finances can tempt farmers to buy more animals at lower prices, while inadequate technical knowledge can make quantity appear better than quality. Knowledge saves money.

However, stocking growers also requires careful financial planning because purchasing several animals still represents a significant investment. Farmers must calculate costs before committing resources. Plan carefully.

For successful fattening, animals should possess sufficient body weight and development before entering the programme. Starting below the required weight can reduce efficiency. Weight matters greatly.

Farmers should focus on suitable growers rather than simply increasing numbers. Selecting animals based on age, weight, health, and growth potential improves returns. Quality drives profitability.

Abdullah Opeyemi Akande
B.Agric. (FUNAAB)
GAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Animal Sci. (UI)
RAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Int’l Business (UU, UK)
Ph.D. in view