Best 13 Small Scale Livestock Farming Business Ideas

Do you want to start a livestock farming business? If so, find here in this article list of top profitable small-scale livestock farming business ideas.

Animal farming or livestock farming business is very promising in the coming days. A livestock farming business can be operated from your backyard on a small scale or even on a large scale. Livestock represents the only way in which the natural vegetation that covers large parts of any country can be converted into protein products that can be used by human beings. It provides draught power and manure to the crop enterprise and this, in turn, provides feed and fodder.

List of 13 Livestock Farming Business Ideas

1. Dairy Farming

The dairy farming business is ranked highly among the most lucrative livestock farming ideas. In starting a dairy farming business, crafting a proper business plan, creating a cropping and feeding program, waste management planning, financial planning, and marketing planning are important.

It is advisable to start on a small scale and after getting confidence in the business, expand steadily. The major products are milk, meat, and leather. You can also sell dung for organic fertilizer production.

2. Fish Farming

Fish farming is profitable and the industry is widely diversified. You can start your own home-based small-scale fish farming with a small capital investment or you can start large-scale commercial fish farming.

According to your location, available water bodies, environment, water type, and investment capacity, you will need to select the right species for fish farming. Carp fish like Rahu and Katla, Tilapia, Prawn, Crab, and Shrimp are among the major popular fishes worldwide. Apart from this fish hatchery and ornamental fish farming are also very profitable businesses.

3. Goat Farming

Goat farming is a proven highly profitable livestock farming business idea so, it is very necessary to make a proper goat farming business plan before starting this business. High profit within a very short time, little investment, and huge global demand are the main reasons for spreading this business rapidly throughout the world.

If you want to start this business and if you have the ability to make a plan perfectly then you will defiantly be able to achieve the highest profit from the goat farming business.

4. Ostrich Farming

Ostrich meat is the healthiest alternative to our traditional meat. It has lower fat, calories, and cholesterol than beef, chicken, and pork. Ostriches allow the farmer to make higher and quicker returns on investment. Ostrich eggs, meat, hide (leather) and feathers are very highly-priced and command high prices on the local and international markets. Ostrich farming can be operated in the paddock along with sheep, goats, and cattle.

5. Pearl Farming

The production of a cultured pearl is a complex process that requires a thriving marine ecosystem, important knowledge and skill, and several years of patience. You can initiate freshwater pearl culture on a small-scale basis. Freshwater pearl farming is a commercially profitable venture to initiate with small startup capital.

6. Pet Birds Farming

Pet bird farming is a highly profitable business, provided you choose the species and know the commercial way of farming. Some of the most popular pet birds are Macaws, Cockatoos, Australian Parakeets, Soft Bills, Pigeons, Amazon, Love Birds, Fancy Poultry, etc.

7. Pig Farming

Commercial pig farming is one of the most profitable livestock farming businesses. Pigs grow faster than any other animal. They have higher feed conversion efficiency. That means they have a great feed-to-meat converting ratio. The ratio of total consumable meat and total body weight is higher in pigs. We can get around 60 to 80 percent of consumable meat from a live pig.

8. Poultry Farming

Commercial poultry farming is one of the most lucrative livestock business ideas. There are three major types of poultry species broiler (for meat production), cockerels (for meat production), and layers (for egg production).

9. Rabbit Farming

The rabbit is known as a “Micro-Livestock” and can be a great source of food production. There is a great opportunity for rabbit farming, and commercial production is highly profitable and can be a great source of income and employment.

Rabbits are very small-sized animals and it requires a comparatively small area for rabbit farming. Some of the most popular and profitable rabbit breeds are Dark Gray (internal), Fox, Dutch, New Zealand White, New Zealand Black, New Zealand Red, Belgium White, Chinchilla, etc.

10. Sheep Farming

Sheep are raised mainly for their wool, milk, skins, and manure production. Additionally, sheep meat is very tasty, nutritious, and popular with all types of people throughout the world. Basically, the sheep farming business is a great source of income and for eradicating poverty from barren, desert, semi-arid, and mountainous areas.

The most lucrative aspect of this business is, you don’t need to have a huge capital investment to start a sheep farming business.

11. Worm Farming

Technologically advanced commercial worm farming is a highly profitable venture to start with a moderate capital investment. Earthworm production is an enterprise that could be suitable for many small landowners. Operation with one or two worm beds requires only minimal setup costs, maintenance, and labor.

Additionally, you can sell earthworms in two main markets. These markets include bait for fishing and worms for composting. They are both sizable markets with many opportunities.

12. Beekeeping

Beekeeping is an agricultural practice that involves raising honeybees for honey production. It can also include the production of other bee-related products such as beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly. If you want to start a beekeeping business, knowledge of bee behavior, hive management, and honey extraction techniques will be required.

13. Horse Breeding

Horse breeding is a specialized business that involves breeding and raising horses for various purposes. It includes racing, riding, or show competitions. To start this business, you will need knowledge of horse genetics, breeding techniques, and proper care for the horses.

How to Start a Livestock Farming Business 

Sustainable and profitable livestock farming business involves the following aspects:

• Selecting the right species according to the area, weather, and soil condition.
• Selecting the right breed.
• Proper financial planning with cost and ROI (return on investment) calculations.
• Fixing the financial resources properly.
• Applying for the Government subsidy and grants.
• Ability in securing a loan.
• Relevant skill, knowledge, and expertise.
• Using proper equipment and upgraded technology.
• Risk management ability.
• Finally proper marketing planning

The commercial livestock farming business is a proven and profitable opportunity for aspiring agro-based entrepreneurs. The government of all almost countries across the world has launched several different subsidy schemes on livestock farming businesses to encourage and give support to startup entrepreneurs.