Some species of wild animals, whose relatives are successfully bred on private farms, have not been domesticated. Such representatives of wild fauna include the African bull. This buffalo has a large build and lives in the savannas. But among African cows there are representatives that have been bred on farms for several centuries.
A little history
Among African domesticated cows, the Watussi bull. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the history of this species.Residents of Africa insist that Watussi is a separate type of wild cow that appeared as a result of natural selection on the continent 6 thousand years ago. The progenitor in this case is called the relict bull.
According to another version, Watussi became a separate species 4 thousand years ago. The ancestors of this animal are called humpbacked Indian zebu, which also live in Africa, and Egyptian cows. This theory is supported by rock paintings and images found during excavations.
Geneticists indicate that both versions are correct. Chains have been found in Watussi DNA indicating that Indian zebu, Egyptian cows and wild aurochs are found among their ancestors. Despite the availability of data obtained through genetic research, scientists cannot determine from which species the African bulls originated.
African cattle
Not all animals can withstand prolonged droughts, high temperatures and periodic tropical rains, which are characteristic of various regions of Africa. Therefore, the usual domestic cows do not live here. Mainly Watussi, Indian buffalo and zebu bulls are bred here.
Indian buffaloes
Indian buffaloes have the following characteristics:
- height - up to two meters at the withers;
- the weight of an adult male is up to 900 kilograms, females are up to 670 kilograms;
- body length - up to four meters;
- average life expectancy - 26 years;
- food is mainly grass, but dry food and vegetables are added.
Indian buffaloes have an aggressive disposition. Therefore, these animals are less common in households than other cows. Despite their large body mass, Indian buffaloes are primarily bred for milk rather than meat.
The milk fat content of these cows is 9%. Indian buffaloes are valuable for their manure as they often consume algae. Animals are also bred for their skins, which are then used to make clothing and shoes.
Watussi bull
The characteristic features of Watussi include the following:
- wide and massive horns, the base diameter of which reaches 35 centimeters;
- the distance between the horns is 2 meters;
- horn length - up to 3.7 meters;
- the weight of each horn is 45 kilograms.
Such horns in bulls serve for thermoregulation. The height of an adult male Watussi reaches two meters, and body weight - 850 kilograms. Females weigh up to 550 kilograms. These animals are distinguished by their brown body color.
Watussi feed on their own while walking in the pasture. Like Indian buffaloes, these bulls prefer to eat seaweed. The popularity of Watussi in Africa is explained not only by its large horns: the milk and blood of animals are used for ritual purposes.
bull zebu
If the Watussi have large horns for thermoregulation, then the Zebu has a hump on the back, which is made up of fatty deposits. These cows are characterized by long and strong limbs, as well as endurance. Therefore, zebu is more often used as a pulling force.
The characteristic features of this cow include an increased level of leukocytes in the blood, which provides stable immunity to common diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and tuberculosis.
And due to the non-standard microflora of the stomach, the animal does not suffer from disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Zebu is also raised for milk, which has a fat content of 6%.Adult males can produce up to 83% meat of their body weight. The resulting product is very tough, but tasty.
How to maintain and care
African cows are easy to care for. As noted, animals find food on their own during daily grazing. Moreover, African cows are able to eat hay, which is important in hot climates. The stomach of local animals has adapted to hard food and digests such food well. In addition, the cows are given seaweed and vegetables.
Watussi, like other representatives of domesticated livestock, are able to increase body weight without requiring additional minerals or vitamin complexes. The diet may also include small crustaceans. Every day, adult males consume up to 100 kilograms of food, females - up to 70 kilograms.
How to breed
Watussi and other African cows reach sexual maturity at nine months. But local farmers start breeding closer to two years. Estrus in females occurs once every 2-3 months.
If animals live in herds, then farmers breed no more than 2% of the total number of males. After fertilization, calves appear after 10 months. The weight of the young is 14-20 kilograms. Rarely does a female bear two calves.
The young are usually immediately separated from their mother, as females aggressively protect their offspring.
Interesting Facts
Every year, African cows produce from 1.5 to 2 tons of milk. In this regard, these animals are often bred as draft animals or for meat. In Africa, livestock populations are steadily declining. This happens due to the characteristics of milk yield. The calves are brought to the mother's udder, but after a few mouthfuls they are torn off. Because of this attitude, young animals die early.
Due to the fact that the Watussi is considered a sacred animal in African tribes, each cow is bled, collecting up to four liters of blood every month, which is then used in rituals. Some peoples use the horns of these bulls as money.
