Own farm and successful business - who did not attend such a thought? Often the issues of profitability of a business, the costs of its opening and difficulties with choosing an object scare potential entrepreneurs. The native Russian economy — breeding sables — seems unrealistic and complex. Of course, it will not do without difficulties in such a matter, and yet we will try to figure it out and answer questions about organizing a business. And we will start with the history of the development of fur trade and tell you which reserve was created to breed sable in Russia, why and when it appeared.
Historical reference
For many centuries, sable is considered the national symbol of Russia. The fur of this animal up to the XVIII century in Russia was a payment unit and the equivalent of value. Western Europe and China knew and appreciated Russian sable fur products . The hunting of wild sable by the 20s of the last century put the animal on the brink of extinction. And only timely security measures prevented his disappearance, contributed to the restoration of its numbers, and even again allowed a person to open a commercial hunt.
Barguzinsky Reserve
At the time of its foundation (1916), only 20-30 sable individuals remained on the territory. This is the only nature reserve created before the 1917 revolution and continued to exist. Located in Buryatia, Irkutsk region. By 1930, thanks to the efforts of biologists and hunting experts, the number of sables began to grow. Today the reserve is included in the structure of the Trans-Baikal National Park of Russia, and the number of wild sable is 2 individuals per 1 square kilometer, and this is a very good indicator.
Sable Breeding as a Business: Benefits
Organization of a farm for the breeding of this furry animal is possible in the absence of experience. However, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the species biology and conditions, the specifics of the breeds and nutrition. Having studied the necessary information, you can proceed to the business project itself, especially since it can become really profitable.
A quality sable skin costs about $ 200, which means that a solid profit is guaranteed. Today breeding sable as a business is a promising and profitable business. Profitability of farms is estimated at 95% with successful rearing of young animals. The first profit from breeding sable at home will appear in two years. And these are very good indicators.
Costly business parts
Sable breeding, like any business, in the first stages requires a solid financial investment. When deciding to create your own farm, the following costs should be considered:
- Rental of land for the farm. Well, if you have your own land, otherwise you will have to give a certain amount of money per year for the leased plot.
- Buying cells. The price of finished cells depends on the region of purchase. There are manufacturers offering cells at a price of 15 thousand rubles. But you can make them yourself if the stock is not too large.
- Purchase of breeding stock. The cost of young animals depends on the purity of lines, color, pedigree. Starting price for a puppy - 15-16 thousand per individual.
- Feed purchase. 70% of the cost of the skin is the cost of purchasing feed.
- Staff salary. It depends on the size of the farm. In addition, the costly part is payment for the work of specialists in slaughtering animals and dressing skins.
- Veterinary services. This is the purchase of vaccination material, and payment for the services of a veterinarian and livestock specialist.
Sable: features of biology
This is a small furry animal of the marten. The mass of an adult is up to 1.5 kg. Sables live up to 14 years and from 15-17 months, when they become sexually mature, they are able to breed. They are nocturnal. The animal is a predator, the main diet is mice, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, as well as nuts and berries. They live in holes in nature. Pregnancy lasts 9 months with a latent period of implantation.
Valuable fur
The variety in the color of sables corresponds to the commercial value of the skin. There are seven categories of skins, each with its own subcategory. The most valuable are the resinous-black color of the fur. Sables with dark heads and headings are also valued, while the cheapest ones are light colors. The fur of males is more dense and silky, which is also taken into account when evaluating the skin.
Breeding sables in captivity
Sable lives well in captivity and reproduces easily. They are bred in enclosures, cages and even kept as pets. It’s unpretentious in food. It has a pretty good immunity. When kept in captivity, it is necessary to create conditions that are closest to natural conditions. The optimum temperature for breeding sables is from 15 to 23 degrees above zero. Particular attention must be paid to a balanced diet. This is an important factor for the conservation and breeding of sables.
Cellular Features
Depending on where the cells are located, they need to be equipped in a special way. But most importantly, for females houses should be provided, and for all animals - drinking bowls and feeders. Cell sizes and material for their manufacture are selected individually by the farm organizer. Common requirements: the cage must be durable, and its cleaning should not cause difficulties.
Sable Food
Sable breeding on a farm implies a balanced diet. The basis of their diet is meat. Rabbit meat , chicken, beef and liver are best served as mixed minced meat. You can include eggs, fish, vegetables and fruits in your diet. All products can be mixed with cereals - boiled buckwheat or rice. As a special treat you can add honey or honeycombs. Adult animals are fed twice a day. After the abolition of breast milk, young animals are fed more often (4–5 times a day). Food for young sables should be more tender.
Breeding and breeding
The sable's life cycle depends on light and natural ultraviolet radiation. Sable rush takes place in June-August. For sables, a delay in implantation is characteristic. At 7–8 months, the embryo seems to “freeze”: its development stops, a latent period begins. Cubs are born, usually in late April. Delay of implantation plays an important role in this: sable cubs avoid winter colds. In experiments with ultraviolet radiation, some farmers sought to eliminate the latent period of pregnancy. Thus, the female could bring offspring not once a year, but two. There are up to 12 puppies per litter. The lactation period lasts up to 2 months.
Product Sales Features
Skins are certified and evaluated by specialized organizations. This is the only way to confirm the excellent quality of the fur. And this opens up access to the international market and prestigious auctions, where the price of skins is very high.
Sable meat is not eaten because of the rather unpleasant smell and taste. An exception is the sable liver, which contains as much vitamin A as it does in the liver of a large cow. However, the liver requires careful anti-infective treatment, since sable is an omnivorous animal. It belongs to the group of polyphages.
Sable as a pet
For domestic breeding and keeping this animal is even better than cats. This is a very quick-witted and sociable animal that can be trained. For hygiene, a cat tray and filler are used. But, unlike cats, sable does not tear furniture and does not mark an apartment. Feeding sable with cat food should not be. Preferred are natural foods: minced meat, fish, nuts and berries. A treat for the animal is honey, but not candy. From sweets, sables often have skin diseases. You can keep both one animal and a couple. This soft fluffy animal will be an affectionate and playful pet of the whole family. And as a business project, the sale of manual sables will also pay off. The cost of a puppy is about $ 200 and above. And, of course, do not forget about the mandatory vaccination of the animal against rabies and infectious diseases.
Finally
Russia is still the only country that produces sable fur on farms with a cellular content. A sable fur coat is an item of luxury and pride, indicating the status of the owner.
Every year, at international auctions, up to 700 thousand skins of this valuable fur animal are sold, and the state supports farmers by issuing loans for the development of livestock production. We can hope that in the future Russia will not lose its primacy in the production of fur.