African cattle breeds have had to adapt to various environmental situations in the past few centuries. More than 150 cattle breeds are native to Africa, which may surprise you. It isn’t easy to conceive that other nations, like Africa, could compete with the world’s top three producers of beef; the United States, Brazil, and Europe. Nevertheless, the diversity of livestock in this region of the world today is quite striking.
Are cows originally from Africa?
Africa is home to more than 100 different kinds of cattle, many of which did not originate there. Present-day Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Jordan are responsible for most of the cattle in Africa. Most of these creatures began migrating south thousands of years ago and breeding with indigenous species. Their genomes still have several characteristics, with the cattle first domesticated in the Middle East.
Naturally, this isn’t their only mode of transportation. Humans have transported different cattle varieties from one location to another. They have spread over time, and many of the most popular breeds today can be found in nations worldwide.
Best African Cattle Breeds
It is astounding that so many African breeds have adapted to the heat and sicknesses that many of the cattle in the US wouldn’t be able to withstand. Living in Africa implies that you must adapt to the harsh conditions.
These are the breeds that are currently most prevalent in Africa.
1. Afrikaner/Africander Cattle
Native to South Africa, this breed of cattle was on the verge of extinction in the early 20th century, but fortunately, these cows returned.
They frequently have shallow bodies, lengthy legs, and a dark red color. Since their sweat glands are more active than other cattle breeds, they adapt well to hot, dry circumstances.
2. Nguni Cattle
In some regions of southern Africa, the Nguni breed is indigenous. They are essentially a cross between an Indian and European breed later introduced to some Bantu-speaking tribes.
These cows have a reputation for being extremely fertile and disease-resistant. Their skin is multicolored and has numerous varied patterns. Moreover, their modest cervicothoracic humps and black-tipped noses make them stand out from other species.
3. Bonsmara Cattle
This cattle breed is also indigenous to South Africa. Since many cattle had no heat tolerance then, these cows were bred exclusively for grazing in subtropical climates. They have red coats, and To meet breeding requirements, the horns of Bonsmara cattle must be removed.
4. Ankole-Watusi Cattle
Although crossbreeding has greatly increased the popularity of these cattle in the US, the Ankole-Watusi Cattle are descended from a group of Sanga cattle breeds native to parts of East and Central Africa. Despite having a wide range of colors, they are often red. These cows are distinctive due to their extraordinarily huge horns, some of which are almost three feet long on each side.
5. Abigar Cattle
Usually located in eastern Africa, Abigar cattle are utilized largely for dairy farming. They are among the toughest animals on the continent and have a lactation capacity of over 4 cups. They can withstand heat waves, water shortages, droughts, and disease outbreaks.
6. White Fulani Cattle
Another significant breed of cattle in Africa is the Fulani. White in color with horns shaped like a lyre, they were subjugated by the Fulani people. Red Fulani cattle also exist, although their origins and current distribution are distinct from white cattle.
7. Drakensberger Cattle
Originating in South Africa, these bulky, big, black bulls (Drakensberger Cattle) have spread worldwide. They have silky and lengthy coats. A mature bull may weigh up to 2,500 pounds. They are frequently bred for traits including their temperaments, high fertility, and milk output.
8. N’Dama Cattle
The West African N’Dama breed is often called Boenca or Boyenca cattle. Guinea’s highlands are where these huge beef cattle were first domesticated. They are Trypanotolerant cattle. Thus, they may be housed in fly-infested areas without contracting illnesses.
9. Boran Cattle
In eastern Africa, the Boran cow is one of the most often used beef breeds. They were initially developed in southern Ethiopia. These cows are mostly white or fawn, with many males having darker coats. They develop quickly and have strong parasite resistance.
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