The Ankole-Watusi is a modern African breed of domestic cattle (Bos taurus) that stands out due to its extraordinarily large horns.
Longhorn Ankole Cows: The Cattle of Kings
Ankole-Watusi cattle at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Source: Wikipedia
Origins and Evolution
Sanga cattle spread throughout eastern Africa, and many distinct breeds evolved. Particularly remarkable are the cattle of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. In Uganda, the Nkole tribe’s variety is called the Ankole, while in Rwanda and Burundi, the Tutsi tribe’s variety is called the Watusi.
Natural selection also played a role in creating cattle that were both hardy and efficient grazers able to thrive on rough forage. This unusual combination of selection pressures has resulted in a resilient breed of great beauty.
Characteristics and Adaptations
Ankole-Watusi cattle, with their extra-large horns, are among the most striking members of the bovine kingdom. The horns are unusually large, with a wide spread and the largest circumference found in any cattle breed. Herds resemble slow-moving, multicolored forests of bare trees as their horns sway with every step.
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The horns are part of adaptation to a hot climate by allowing dispersal of excess body heat. Bred to survive in times where food and water are scarce, these cattle can adapt to living in extreme environments, both hot and cold.
The impressive horns of the Ankole-Watusi. Source: YouTube
Physical Attributes
- Size: The Ankole-Watusi is medium-sized and elegant in appearance.
- Weight: Cows weigh 900-1,200 lbs. and bulls 1,000-1,600 lbs.
- Horns: The most noticeable feature of the breed is its horns, which have a large base and are long and symmetrical. Crescent or lyre-shaped horns are the most desired in Africa, but American breeders have also selected for a lateral horn conformation that increases the length from tip to tip.
- Color: Cattle may be solid-colored or spotted. Dark red predominates, although dun and black also occur. Some unusual spotting patterns are found in the breed, including one in which color runs across the top of the animal with white on the lower body.
- Calves: Calves are small and have a low birth weight (30-50 lbs.). This is useful when bulls are used in a first breeding with other breeds.
Diet and Environment
Ankole Watusi are cattle that are classified as grazers. They feed primarily on grass. Ankole-Watusi were developed in the African climate where temperatures may range from 20-120 degrees (Fahrenheit), so they can tolerate extremes in temperatures well due to their large horns.
Ankole-Watusi in America
Unlike the purposeful importations of many breeds, the path of the Ankole-Watusi to the US was indirect if not accidental. Some of these were brought to Germany as zoo specimens in the early twentieth century, and from there they spread to other European zoos. The cattle were initially exported from East Africa to Europe during the early 1900s for use as exhibition animals in zoos.
In the last few decades, most zoos have dispersed their collections, putting most of the cattle into the hands of private breeders. The Ankole-Watusi International Registry was formed in 1983 to promote the breed in North America. Founding members shared a commitment to the Ankole-Watusi, though they have had different priorities for the breed. Some emphasized its exotic appearance and others its commercial qualities.
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While sometimes dismissed as a novelty, the Ankole-Watusi has much to offer the US beef industry. Adaptation to harsh environments, excellent maternal abilities, high butterfat milk, and lean beef are among its assets.
Key Features of Ankole-Watusi Cattle
Below is a table summarizing the key characteristics of the Ankole-Watusi breed:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | East and Central Africa |
| Horns | Large, wide spread, largest circumference among cattle breeds |
| Weight (Cows) | 410 to 550 kg (900-1,200 lbs) |
| Weight (Bulls) | 450 to 730 kg (1,000-1,600 lbs) |
| Coat Color | Varied; usually red, but can be dun or black, solid or spotted |
| Adaptation | Tolerant to extreme temperatures and scarce resources |
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