Help needed - question of cost of keeping angus cattle

[GTboy]

Hello Peoples. I do not know where to start, so any pointers to the right source or some info would be appreciated. My brother-in-law is a hobby farmer and is looking at getting some angus calf. He has no idea what it would cost to feed and maintain them? He has 40 acres and is dedicating about 30 to his existing 15 sheep and a potential 10 angus calf. I would say he land is quite poor and that the grass available is not going to provide for much. How much would feed cost per year per calf? What type of feed? What type of maintenance do they need? Worming? Is there somewhere that would give me these details of keeping angus cattle? Cheers, Ben.

[mag]

Min feed requirements:

Medium quality hay = costs between $90.00 -$120 per ton.

Weaners 6-9 month of age (175 kg liveweight)
3.5 kg pasture hay per day, 4.0 kg ceral hay per day.

Yearlings 10-12 months of age (220 kg liveweight)
4 kg pasture hay per day, 5.0 kg ceral hay per day.

Cost/Kg Cost per Day
$90.00/1000 $0.36
$95.00/1000 $0.38
$100.00/1000 $0.40
$110.00/1000 $0.44

You may also have to supply some grains (barley,oats etc), also lick blocks etc, ask your local vet for more details, they are the best source for local hobby farmers etc.

The question here is also is he intending to sell the animals for profit or just for his own food as well? my guess would be a bit of both? in which case he would also have to contact the local ag dept in the nearest town to get the stat regulations on selling cattle etc.

[GTboy]

Thanks heaps mag. It's appreciated information. He now has his 4 angus calf (bout 7 months old). He will also be selling and we found out he will need to 'register' the cows. Thanks again.