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Letter Re: Livestock for the Self-Sufficient Retreat

Mr. Rawles;
My husband has gotten me into reading SurvivalBlog and I have been trying to keep current and read some of the posts. I have some points I would like to add.
I had a subscription to a publication called The Animal Finders Guide and it has listings for exotic and heirloom animals. Along with this it has some very good articles on the care and management of animals I think most of your readers would benefit from, especially if they are leaning towards yaks, camels or even less known breeds of standard livestock.
On the breeds for horses for retreats I would like to point out that if you raise a Mustang foal in any type of climate it will adapt. They are hardy, easy keepers and have a lot less genetic problems that could kill a breeding program. Also not mentioned was the Icelandic Horse which will eat salmon and can carry larger riders. Granted they are not the fastest or the tallest, but for temperament and willingness you can't beat them. Certain Morgan bloodlines and Quarterhorse are fine but can carry for problems. Some people choose for looks and not [based upon] research or functionality. With any breeds you need to find out about temperament and genetics. Then your group needs to learn the basics:

Merck Veterinary Care
Shoeing and Hoof Trimming
Training
Gelding (Altering)

Most common ailments and are you going to breed your stock? Can you house and handle a stud? Can you take the horses from day one to saddle safely? Do you need pack animals? How much grazing can your retreat handle? How can you pen to rotate your grazing and hay fields? Can you repair your tack?
In a worst case scenario the most sought after horses and livestock will be working stock. Draft horses and mules, good saddle horses, ox and even Boer goats for brush removal (they may not eat everything but they will work long after you can't get a brush hog )

I ran into someone the other day who thought breeding livestock is as easy as breeding her dogs. She bought a stud colt, a pony at that and she has never had any experience with horses before. I think after I told her about the issues with some studs she does regret it, but most have no clue how dangerous livestock and exotic animals can be. Horses and camels bite hard and can do permanent damage. A stud can hurt anyone and can be dangerous to handle for women at certain times, studs fight, break through fences after mares and some just are plain mean no matter how you raise them. Bulls are also fun and can gore you and crush you even if they have been dehorned.

How do you handle disease with no vaccines? Can you keep wildlife away from your animals? Can anyone in your group butcher?
Sorry to go on but most books I have read do not even touch on most of this. How about a series on animal choices and care? Maybe some breed info on large guardian dog (LGD) breeds and how best to find these animals. When is the best time to buy and where to find good breeders? Thank you. - Tracy D.

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