Which Animal Is More Profitable: Pigs or Cows? PDF

**Which Animal Is More Profitable Pigs Or Cows?** [https://bestfarmanimals.com/which-animal-is-more-profitable-pigs-or-cows/] Written by [[Annemaria Duran]](https://bestfarmanimals.com/author/annemaria-duran/) in [[Cows]](https://bestfarmanimals.com/category/cows/),[[Pigs]](https://bestfarmanimals...

**Which Animal Is More Profitable Pigs Or Cows?** [https://bestfarmanimals.com/which-animal-is-more-profitable-pigs-or-cows/] Written by [[Annemaria Duran]](https://bestfarmanimals.com/author/annemaria-duran/) in [[Cows]](https://bestfarmanimals.com/category/cows/),[[Pigs]](https://bestfarmanimals.com/category/pigs/) Are cows or pigs more profitable? **If you are raising dozens of animals, then cows are generally more profitable than pigs. Cattle herds reproduce and there are many ways to make money off of them. But, if you are looking to raise a few animals, then pigs are more profitable than cows. That's because cows cost more and will need more set up than pigs do so it takes more cows and more years of farming to break even.** As you can see, there are many variables in profiting from animals. Let's look at some of the variables in raising pigs and cows. The Cost Of A Pig Generally speaking, a piglet will sell for \$60-\$100 each. You may even able to find a small or runt pig for a lower price because it will take more care to grow. Heritage or purebred pigs can cost as much as \$200 each. Some breeds will cost even more. Pig feed costs about \$15-20 for a 50-pound bag of feed. Corn is the most popular feed for fattening pigs. That means it will cost you about \$135 to fatten your pig. Those numbers are rounded up. You can lower the cost of a pig by crowing corn feed and using it as feed for your hogs. Corn is mostly empty calories. It is typically a lower-cost feed to purchase in seed and in feed.  Although hog prices vary depending on the time of the year, in 2018, hog prices were \$75 per cwt or about \$0.75 a pound. If you are planning to only raise a couple of pigs for one year, it will be unlikely that you will break even. You will have other costs such as the cost of fencing, watering, and bedding the pigs. However, if you are planning to raise more than a couple of pigs for multiple years, then pigs are a great investment. The Cost Of A Cow The cost of a cow varies drastically across the United States. A [[calf can cost]](https://bestfarmanimals.com/2022-usa-cow-costs-steer-calf-dairy-beef-heifer-charts/) as much as \$550 (or more). Yearlings, or young cows, sell for between \$800 and \$1,500 a piece. Full-grown cows range between \$2,000 and \$5,000 each. The cost of the cow will also vary based on the type of the cow. Beef yearlings tend to be \$150 more than the cost of a dairy yearling. So while dairy calves cost about \$600, a beef calf will cost about \$750. The same is true of fully grown cows. Beef cows can sell for as little as \$900 while it is difficult to find a beef cow for less than \$2,000. In addition to the actual cost of a cow, you will need to consider it's feed. Cows will need to be kept fenced us and will need a shelter in the winter. What Type Of Cows Are Most Profitable?   If you are considering going with cattle instead of a pig, then it's important to look at different types of cows. Basically, cows are used for two types of products. That includes [[beef cattle and dairy cows]](https://bestfarmanimals.com/2022-usa-cow-costs-steer-calf-dairy-beef-heifer-charts/). Dairy cows need more nutrients and higher quality of food than beef cows. That's because they are eating for two! Additionally, they will need to be bred at least once to start producing milk. You will also need some set up for milking the cows unless you plan to do it by hand. These days, milk cows are rarely milked by hand. That means you will need equipment. The level of sophistication and how much you use technology will affect how long it takes you to make money. It will also affect how tied to the cow you are or whether you can go on vacation or not.  [[Beef cows]](https://bestfarmanimals.com/should-i-raise-a-beef-cow-or-buy-beef-from-the-store/) can be kept in the field until they are ready to be sold. Beef cows will get the highest price per pound at 12-24 months. Beef cows will need to be fed, but won't need daily maintenance as dairy cows will. They also need less food each day.  How Much Property Do I Need To Raise Cows Or Pigs? Cows generally need between one to two acres per cow. That means that if you have a heard of 12 cattle, you will need about 12 -18 acres to feed your cows. Pigs need less space. You can raise between 12 and 14 sows on each acre of land. In addition to land, you will also need to fence in your animals. Both cows and pigs can be fenced with barbed wire or with an electric fence. This means that you won't have a lot of adjustments to make if you choose to switch animals or rotate both herds through the same pasture.