#Ankole Long Horned Cattle

[hospitableafrica]

The Significance Of Ankole Long-Horned Cattle That You Must Know

There are many people who must be looking forward to embracing the cultural heritage and many other extraordinary thrilling adventures. You must know that Uganda is renowned for being the best place to explore the cultural heritage and many other beautiful nature spots.

The Ankole people have their own cultural legacy that many people would love to explore. You can go for the Ankole Long-horned cattle if you want the best experience while understanding the history of the Ankole people in the best manner.

Ankole Long Horned Cattle: Learn About Its Significance

The whitewater rafting will be a great way to spend some good times with loved ones overlooking the beauty of nature. You can give yourself a relaxing experience by choosing whitewater rafting. You can give yourself the most unique experience by going for the whitewater rafting, which would be a great adventure for nature lovers.

Ankole Long Horned Cattle

There are many other thrilling adventures that you can explore if you choose Uganda as your travel destination. With the help of whitewater rafting, you can see many beautiful and authentic natural spots that will be pleasing to your eyes.

Try Out The Relaxing Whitewater Rafting For Best Experience 

Are you someone who wants to explore sustainable agriculture without chaos? If Yes. You must go for the effortless and popular Ankole long-horned cattle so that you can have the most amazing experience. There must be many people who may not be aware of the fact of how important the Ankole long-horned cattle are to the Ankole people.

The Ankole long-horned cattle are extremely significant when it comes to the history and culture of the place. Go ahead! And explore the Ankole Long Horned cattle and whitewater rafting experience for the most satisfying vibe.

[rjzimmerman]

Kind of .......strange......., but who am I to judge?:

Excerpt from this story from The Revelator:

Visitors to the King’s Palace Museum in Rwanda can locate the nation’s prized cows by following the sounds of singing.

Called Inyambo in Rwanda and Bihogo in Uganda, these massive cattle are known for the white, symmetrical horns that stretch into the air several feet above their heads. They’re bred for ceremonial purposes — not milk or meat, like most cattle. The museum’s herd of 15 cows, each adorned in jewelry and ribbons, stand as symbols of their longstanding significance in Rwandan culture and history.

With crooning shepherds living on site at the museum full time and a dedicated veterinarian on call 24 hours a day, these cows have the best possible care. But, like many rare livestock breeds around the world, they face challenges to their survival, including climate change, habitat erosion, disease, and international conflicts. The United Nations estimates that at least 17% of worldwide livestock breeds are threatened with extinction, and it advocates for preserving genetic lines that may have a better chance of survival in a warming, pandemic-prone world.

Conserving culturally important breeds like the Inyambo in the face of these threats presents its own set of challenges. Planning for their future starts with understanding their past — as well as their present place in Rwandan culture.

It also requires answering a tricky question: Are Inyambo an endangered species?

There are no monarchs in Rwanda anymore. Rwanda’s monarchy ended in 1962, when the country gained independence from Belgium. The King’s Palace Museum is a recreation of the last site of the formerly mobile monarchy, which previously moved around the country before settling in Nyanza in 1899 and establishing it as the first permanent capital of the kingdom.

The Inyambo — who roamed with the ruler until they, too, came to settle in Nyanza — are a subset of the long-horned Ankole, a breed of cattle found in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. The Ankole themselves are a subset of Sanga cattle, indigenous breeds from southern Africa.

During the period of the traditional Rwandan monarchy, Inyambo were bred and trained for royal parades. They would be presented as dignitaries during ceremonies honoring the king.

They’re still treated like royalty today. Shepherds croon love songs to the animals to keep them peaceful and obedient. The cows, who each have a name and are tended to like members of the family, are trained to listen to their shepherds’ songs as a means of following their commands.

[mutant-distraction]

The Ankole-Watusi is a modern American breed of domestic cattle. It derives from the Ankole group of Sanga cattle breeds of east and central Africa. It is characterized by very large horns. The horns of Ankole cattle can reach up to 8 feet long.

"Cattle of Kings", the ancestry of these cattle dates back more than 6,000 years. They were imported from Africa by European late 19th century.

[fantrollnames]

bovine themed names

Abigar (Abigar cattle)

Albion (Blue Albion, british breed of cattle)

Ankole (Ankole cattle)

anteng,javani,vanicu,tembad (Banteng/Bos javanicus/tembadau, cattle from southeast asia.)

antiqu (Bison antiquus, ancient bison from North America)

Asteri (crete name for minotaur)

athaba (American wood bison, Bison bison athabascae)

Auroch (Aurochs, a primitive cow)

Boskap, odbrok (Swedish Red Pied/Rödbrokig Svensk Boskap, a swedish cow)

Braunv, unvieh (Braunvieh, brown cattle from germany)

Bubalu (Bubalus arnee, wild water buffalo)

Buchis (Buchis/bakh/bakha ancient egypt sacred bull)

Bucran (bucranium, depiction of the skulls of ox in classical architecture)

Bugoni, bougon (bugonia/bougonia, ritual based on a cow carcass)

Camahu, mahuet (Camahueto, calf or bull with a small horn on its forehead from Chilote mythology)

Charol, rolais (Charolais cattle from france)

Damona (Damona, cow goddess worshipped in Gaul)

daquit, quitai (Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle from france)

eliobo (Cattle of Helios/ Ἠελίοιο βόες, Ēelíoio bóes, cattle on the island of Thrinacia)

Enkidu (wildman figure in Mesopotamian mythology)

gaurus (gaur/Bos gaurus, Indian bison)

Gertru (Santa Gertrudis cattle)

geushu (geush urva, "the spirit of the cow")

Girola, olando (Girolando cattle)

gudali (The Bison-beast, a hero slain in sumerian religion)

Haddad (Adad/Haddad/Hadad/iskur storm and rain god Mesopotamian religon with the symbolic animal of a bull)

Hadhay (Hadhayans, Zoroastrian mythological bovine)

Hamiti (Hamitic Longhorn, the origin species of highland cows)

hanaiz,zumien (Bison hanaizumiensis, japanese bison)

Hapian (Apis/hapis/Hapi-ankh, bull worshipped in ancient egypt)

Hathor (Hathor, egyptian cow goddess)

hazaha (golden calf/ēggel hazāhāv, idol made by the israelites)

heifer,adumma (Red heifer/para adumma, virgin cow made for sacrifice)

Herefo (Hereford cattle, british breed of beef cattle)

Hostei, Friesi (Holstein Friesian cattle)

ikaner (Afrikaner cattle)

Ilawar, awarra (Illawarra cattle from Australia)

Jaktor (the name of the forest the last auroch's died in)

Jallon, Malink, nadama (N'Dama, Boenca or Boyenca (Guinea-Bissau), Fouta Jallon, Djallonké or Djallonké cattle, Fouta Longhorn, Fouta Malinke, Futa, Malinke, Mandingo (Liberia), and N'Dama Petite)

Kamadh,Surabh (Kamadhenu/Surabhi bovine goddes in hinduism)

Kankre (Kankrej cattle)

laeosi,nensis (bison palaeosinensis, early bison)

Lamasu (lama/lamma/lamassu/shedu, Assyruian protective diety)

leborn, huidre (Lebor na hUidre [ˈl͈ʲevor nˠə huiðʲrʲə] or the Book of the Dun Cow)

lekijn (boelekijn/bullock, a young bull)

Limous, mousin (Limousin cattle from france)

Mehete (Mehet-Weret, "Celestial Cow" or "Cow Goddess" in ancient egypt)

Mnevis (ancient Egyptian bull god)

Moloch (Moloch/molech/molek, bull-headed idol appearing in the hebrew bible)

Nandiu (nandi, gate guardian diety in the hindu religion)

niutou (ox-head, one of two guardians of the underworld in Chinese mythology)

ociden (Bison occidentalis, extinct species of bison from North America)

oumbla (Auðumbla, primeval cow from norse mythology)

ovidae (Bovidae, the family of bovines)

pongif, cephal,halopa (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, mad cow disease)

priscu (B.priscus, steppe bison)

rakens (Drakensberger cattle)

rangus (Brangus, cross between angus and brahman breeds)

rontal,mithun (gayal/Bos frontalis/mithun, indian domesticated bovine)

Sahiwa (Sahiwal cattle)

schoet,tensac (Pleistocene woodland bison, B. schoetensacki)

Senepo (Senepo cattle)

Taurin (Taurine cattle, domesticated species from europe)

Taurob (Taurobolium, practices involving the sacrifice of a bull)

tifron (Bison latifrons, giant/long horned bison)

Trigar,garanu (Tarvos Trigaranus, divine fingure in a roman monument)

uzerat, Guzera (Guzerá cattle)

Vechur (Vechur Cow)

wisent (European wood bison)

zerwon (Polish Red, Polska czerwona)

zubron (a hybrid of domestic cattle and bison)

[funnywildlife]

Holy Cow! ・・・ If you ever want to meet the Cattle Kings 👑 Uganda is the place! Known for their long horns that rise up to 2.5 meters 😳‼️ they can be seen alongside Lake Mburo National Park, amongst zebras and leopards. These Ankole ‘cows’ are considered the best gift that one can give to someone else. Pretty cool no? #VisitUganda with our friends @afriventure. #enquirenow https://www.afriventure.org/ #WildographyUganda #WildographyandSafaris #AfricanSafaris #AfriVenture #lakemburo #ankolecows #ankolewatusi #royalcows #pearofafrica https://www.instagram.com/p/CFuPsiRgN6G/?igshid=1ixhki8ax492g

[milehighdad]

Ankole-Watusi. Wyoming Long Horn?  The Ankole-Watusi is a modern American breed of domestic cattle. It derives from the Ankole group of Sanga cattle breeds of central Africa. It is characterized by very large horns. Devils Tower National Monument. Wyoming. アンコーレ・ワトゥシ？ ワイオミングロングホーン？ デビルズタワー国定公園。ワイオミング州。

[davidwfloydart]

The Ankole is a breed or group of breeds of African cattle. One of its distinguished characteristics is its enormous, curved, thick horns which can grow up to 1.8 m (6 ft.) long. Their coat coloration are rusty red, but fawn, black or pied coloration are not uncommon. These cattle mainly feed on grass found in the vast lands and they are adapted to survive several months when food and water are scarce. The Ankole is regarded as sacred due to the significance it holds within the cattle breeders' families. It is distributed in much of eastern and central Africa - Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and parts of Tanzania. #rwandanbeauty #rwanda #cattleranch #cattlefarm #cattlemen #ankolecattle #hornsup #congo #uganda🇺🇬 (at Catalina Foothills, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-LCw1rlxlYmhYTX5xbBakBnnGCesORvuVrwQ0/?igshid=1u6ptgv8zkibg

[bucephaly]

Hey Kiro, do you have any opinions on long horns and or dwarf hippos?? Would you consider using either as inspo for your face??

‘Longhorn cattle are very beautiful! I especially like the African Ankole variety, I find them very lovely with the large horns. I do prefer wild bovines more than the domestic ones when it comes to forms for myself, however. Something about how the animal was sculpted to best suit her environment, rather than chosen and bred for her productivity or her keeper’s idea of aesthetics.. It’s hard to explain, sorry.

Though hippos! I do love hippos, I do not do it often but the hippo is very fun to form. I should wear it more.’

[inspiresafaris]

7 Days Culture Safari in Uganda with Gorilla trekking

Overview of the 7 Days Culture Safari in Uganda with Gorilla trekking

The 7 Days Culture Safari in Uganda with Gorilla trekking commences in Kampala and can end in Kigali or Kampala depending on the traveller’s preference. The 7 days of Culture feature a blend of wildlife and gorillas. The safari involves a game walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park where the travellers can explore the Rothschild Giraffes, the Impala, Burchell’s Zebra, the Topi, the elands among others, whole day experience with the Banyankole community exploring the Ankole long horned cattle and its practices, the crop growing and extensive Banana plantations, the 1520AD eclipse monument and Erijukiro museum tour at Igongo Cultural center, the gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, the coffee tour including coffee roasting on the shores of Lake Mutanda and eventually the Batwa heritage trail exploration in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Read Full itinerary and Inclusions DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION Entebbe International Airport DEPARTURE TIME Arrive by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 8:30 AM or Before Travel Date. RETURN TIME Approximately 6:30 PM. WEAR Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen. INCLUDED Professional Guide Meals & Accomodation All Fees on safari. Transportation in 4x4 Van NOT INCLUDED Airfare Fees All other things not Mentioned in Itinerary. Highlights Explore Lake Mburo Park by Foot in nature Walk Observe local flora and fauna like elephants, lions, and crocodiles No need to plan anything, this is an all-inclusive package Enjoy a personalized experience during this private tour Enjoy Gorilla Tracking Activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Learn More of Uganda's Culture in Batwa Community. . Read the full article

[ewan-mo]

Saturday safari and beyond. 21st and 22nd September

Dr Rob arranged for Sabuni, a local driver, to take Simon and me away from Kagando, north to Rwakobo Rock, on the outskirts of Lake Mburo national park. Long a favourite of ours, we love it that you can go out for a walking safari with one of the staff. We walked among zebra, warthog, guinea fowl, baboons and monkeys, plus lots of ankole cattle. These are the local breed, and are very handsome with their long horns. Their milk is rich and creamy, but in small volumes: friesians have been brought in so that the cross breeds (”the mixed-up cattle” as described by our guide Daniel) produce lots of milk. With the volume from the friesians, and the delicious taste of the ankole milk, you get a great result. We enjoyed the mixed-up milk at meal times. The dining room, incidentally, overlooks a water hole where you can watch the animals come to drink. Meanwhile, back in his little cottage that night, Simon experienced his first geckoes, and, less happily, a snuffling creature making its way round the house and at times sounding loud enough to be inside. Very unlikely! It was probably a hyrax, like a largeish rabbit, and a bit, well, snuffly. Good job it didn’t see the need to sound its alarm call, which is a piercing whistle. Sunday we continued on our journey north to Kampala. The Equator is the main point of interest on the way.

As we began to approach the city we came into a torrential rain storm which made driving very challenging. And we saw that there was almost instant flooding in all the little dukas, the wayside stalls and shops. Crossing the city is always slow and complicated. We marvel at the skill of the drivers who manoevre their vehicles to within an inch or two of each other without actually colliding.

[frenaadventures]

3 Days Queen Elizabeth Safari | Frena Adventures

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park (417 Kms)

After breakfast, you will leave Kampala and travel west through Uganda's lush green countryside to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey will take 6-7 hours, with stops at tourist attractions such as the Equator, where you will be able to stand in both hemispheres at the same time. You will travel through grasslands surrounded by banana plantations, where long-horned Ankole cattle, which are endemic to the area, can be seen grazing.

In the afternoon, you'll arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park and go on a launch cruise along the Kazinga channel, where you'll get up close and personal with big water animals like hippos, buffalos, crocodiles, and elephants. Numerous bird species, including the famous Shoebill, Pelican, and Jacana, can be found on the water's edge. Dinner and overnight at your preferred lodge.

Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, and Jacana Lodge are examples of luxury lodges.

Bush Lodge (with rooms) / Simba Safari Camp with rooms / Buffalo Safari Resort / Enganzi Lodge / Ihamba Safari Lodge

Budget accommodation options include Kazinga Channel View Lodge, Simba Safari Camp in tents, and Bush Lodge in tents.

Dinner is on the menu.

Game drive and boat cruise

You'll leave early (around 6.30 a.m.) for a morning game drive, which is an incredible opportunity to see animals in their natural habitats. Expect to see elephants, buffalos, lions, bush bucks, kobs, giant forest hogs, hyenas, leopards, antelopes, and waterbucks, as well as birds. You will return for breakfast/early lunch and then begin your journey back to Kampala. There will be no accommodation or dinner provided. If you Want to 3 Days Queen Elizabeth Safari, then visit our website.

[afritrekholidaysuganda]

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda

Day 1: Kampala - Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla forest

Your safari guide will meet you and set off for Bwindi impenetrable National park. This scenic drive takes a min of 8 hours and the drive takes you through the grasslands of Ankole, famous for its long horned cattle. Continue through the highlands of Kigezi with their beautifully terraced hills usually referred to as Switzerland of Africa.

Here you will have lunch break and opportunity to stretch your legs. Continue with the journey through beautiful scenery sighting the volcanic Virunga Mountains on a clear day. Arrive in Bwindi National Park in the evening. This park is the home of the rare mountain gorillas. There are also a wide variety of primates to see including the blue and red tailed monkeys in this dense green forest. You take an early sleep to be able to wake up early the following day for your expedition.

*Accommodations:

-Luxury Clouds Mountain Lodge

*Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) *Travel Time: 8-10 hrs

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Gorilla Forest

Very early in the morning after an early breakfast and guides and guides briefing, set off for your Gorilla trekking activity in the forests of Bwindi. Gorilla tracking can be strenuous, you will need to carry a packed lunch, drinking water, wear comfortable boots or jungle shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes, put on ear plugs for those who feel uncomfortable with jungle sounds and take a rain jacket. Walking sticks will be made available for those that require one by the park rangers. Return to the camp exhilarated to retrieve the encounter with friends over a drink.

OR: If you have the energy, go for village walks, see how local people live, visit the medicine man!

*Accommodations:

-Luxury Clouds Mountain Lodge *Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) *Trekking Time: Unpredictable

Day 3: Departure     After break fast, we will depart for Lunch en route. A stopover is made at the Equator for photography. Transfer to the Airport for your late evening flight back home. *Meal Plan: Half Board (Breakfast & lunch) *Travel Time:  8-10 hrs. END OF SAFARI.

Quoted price includes;

The cost     of all ground transportation and Fuel

Full time     safari guide and his associated expenses

Accommodation     and meals as per itinerary

Gorilla     permit @$500 each per person

Nature     walk

But it excludes; Flights, Visa fees, Airport taxes, Items of     personal nature like Laundry, bar bills, Beverages, tipping and any extra     expenses not included above.

Accommodation:

Unless a specific accommodation is requested, we reserve or recommend the luxury or mid range facility, reasonably priced, charming hotels/lodges with private bath, hot water, good service and value. Prices are based on two persons sharing a double or a twin-bedded room. We reserve the right to substitute equivalent or superior hotels. We make every effort to arrange shared accommodations for single travelers when requested to do so. If the request cannot be honored, the quoted single supplement will apply.

Food:

The cost of the tour includes most meals. Check the program to see where food is Included and where not.

Journey times:

All journey times are close approximations, as you can never quite guarantee what will happen on the African road. We could be in for a bumpy ride on parts of the route (which adds to the excitement of being on safari!); we may encounter road-works and of course, there are the photo stops. Either way, you can be certain that although you may be seated for long periods at times during the trip, you will be passing some spectacular countryside and there will always be something of interest to see along the way!

Guide: Your guide will be a professional and experienced English speaking guide (local).

Gorilla permits:

Only when payment has been received can permits for gorilla tracking in the relevant National Park be purchased. Getting a gorilla permit is not a guarantee of seeing a gorilla. Local conditions sometimes mean that access to the gorillas is made impossible at short notice. We are unable to accept liability for any circumstance that might lead to gorilla viewing being cancelled, whether it is closure of the National Park or borders; absence of the gorillas; security changes. Refunds are at the discretion of the relevant authority and we cannot accept liability for them. We shall use our maximum endeavors to obtain a refund and if a refund is paid by the relevant authority, we shall pass it on to the client. Note that the chances of seeing the gorillas stand at 98%.

Insurance It is advisable that before undertaking a holiday with us that you have, appropriate insurance for the type of holiday being taken. Such insurance should fully cover death, personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation in the event of accident or illness or death, cancellation or curtailment of the holiday by side and loss of, damage to, or theft of the clients' personal property. Activities with a greater inherent risk, such as mountaineering, animal tracking on foot, white-water rafting should be covered. Evacuation cover is provided by Juvenile Safaris Uganda for clients undertaking a full safari package like yourselves.

Items to bring:

 Small daypack

 Mosquito repellent (containing deet)

 A rain jacket

 A jumper/sweater for chilly evenings

 Swimwear

 Sunglasses

 Sun protection

 Long sleeved top and trousers for Gorilla tracking  

 Binoculars  

 Hiking boots / Flip flops

 Spending money  

 & of course, don’t forget your camera!

[adyeri]

Gorilla Tracking Safaris and Wild Adventures

Below are highlights of out typical 4 day Gorilla Trekking Safari

Kampala - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

DAY 1

Arrival of your international flight. Picked up by the driver and transferred to a hotel.

Check-in at the booked hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 2

Kampala – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

06h30: After morning breakfast, you are transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park via Kampala- Masaka route. Stopover in kayabwe at the equator for a photo opportunity or craft shopping. Have Lunch in Mbarara Town, then proceed to Bwindi national park driving through the savannah grass land viewing the banana plantations and herds of Ankole cattle famous for their long horns. Reach the park in the evening check in your booked hotel for dinner and overnight.

Buhoma lodge – luxury Trackers safari lodge – mid-range Ruhija resort lodge- budget

DAY 3

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

06h00: Wake up very early in the morning for breakfast drive to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing by park rangers about gorilla trekking before commencing to the gorilla sanctuary, 07h00: Start Gorilla trekking; the ranger-guide takes you through the huge Bwindi Forest as you search for the giant apes. The venture of spending time observing these gentle and endangered giants is awesome and thrilling experience to be long relished but tiresome. Return to the lodge for lunch and resting, afternoon take a community walk to Buhoma village which gives you an opportunity to see how the people surrounding the park have survived for the generation living near the great forest. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 4

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park– Kampala – Entebbe- Departure

06h00: Early morning breakfast prepare and return to Kampala stopover in Igongo cultural centre for hot lunch and explore ancient history of the Ankole kingdom that has existed for years, proceed to Masaka-kayabwe at Uganda equator for photographs arrive Kampala in the evening check into a hotel for an overnight stay or evening transfer to airport for your home bound flight.

[josephkitchen0]

All About Ankole Watusi Cattle

By Klaire Bruce, Missouri – Ankole Watusi are known as the “Cattle of Kings.” Their unmistakably large horns can spear a lion. The tribes of Africa that rely on them for survival call them sacred. They are built to survive in harsh conditions with sparse forage. What are these wonder cattle?

What Are Ankole Watusi Cattle?

Ankole Watusi are part of a list of exotic cattle breeds that stands out from all the rest. A medium-sized bovine (cows range from 950 to 1,200 pounds and bulls from 1,200 to 1,500 pounds), Ankole Watusi come in solid or spotted colors, with dark red being the most prominent. Their long legs, made for outrunning and out-jumping predators on the African savannah, give them outstanding athletic ability. The cows sport a small, tight udder that produces a high-quality, butterfat-rich milk for their calves. And let’s not forget those famous horns. These giant spears can span up to eight feet from tip to tip. African tribes select cows for the quality of their horns and ability to fend off predators. The horns on a Watusi also act as a cooling system for the cattle; the blood circulates up through the horns and the heat leaves the blood through the tips of the horns. The cooled blood then circulates back through the animal’s body. This unique cooling system makes the Watusi extremely resilient to harsh weather conditions. They can take the heat as well as the cold, and be quite comfortable. Watusi are also known for their ability to utilize poor quality forage and limited food and water sources. These hardy cattle are quite social and prefer to forage and rest in groups for comfort and protection.

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Ankole Watusi Cattle: Origins

The history of the Watusi breed spans thousands of years. Humans first domesticated cattle more than 8,000 years ago. Roughly 2,000 years after that, various strains of African cattle began to mix through the generations as the people of Africa began to move across the continent. The result of this mixing was the emergence of a distinct type of cattle called the Sanga. Watusi are one of the oldest breeds branching from the Sanga type. The Watusi themselves originated in East Africa; they are named after the Tutsi tribe that raised them. These cattle are viewed as sacred by the African people and are rarely used for meat production among the tribes. Instead, the cows are milked and bled (usually from a small cut made in the cow’s neck), and both liquids are combined to make a clabbered, yogurt-like mixture with a high protein content that is a staple to tribal diets. Watusi are considered a status symbol among the tribes; the more cattle a man has, the wealthier he is. The cattle also play a role as a gift to a bride’s family during a tribal wedding.

Ankole Watusi: How They Came to North America

Ankole Watusi cattle first arrived on the cattle ranching scene in North America in the 1960s. A gentleman by the name of Walter Schultz imported two Watusi bulls from Scandinavia and followed up shortly after with a female to keep the large-horned fellows company. Slowly, the Watusi found their way into the hands of zoos and private breeders. With the perseverance of the people dedicated to the breed, the Watusi numbers in the United States have grown along with their popularity.

The horns on Watusi can span up to eight feet from tip to tip. African tribes select cows for the quality of their horns and ability to fend off predators.

Ankole Watusi Cattle: How They Fit into the Economy

While Watusi cattle are considered exotic in the U.S. (many are owned by zoos, game farms and exotic animal reserves), they have many practical applications and uses that can greatly benefit North American cattle farms. There is a good market for Watusi beef—these efficient cattle produce a good quality, lean, low cholesterol meat. Low fat and low cholesterol beef is very appealing to health-conscious consumers. Many breeders favor crossing Watusi with Texas Longhorns; Watusi are already built for horns and the product is a well-built calf with good hybrid vigor. Watusi can also, surprisingly enough, bring some good traits to the table with the dairy market as well; breeding Watusi into a dairy herd will boost the butterfat levels of the milk. On the recreational side of things, Watusi and Watusi crosses make superior roping cattle. Ropers love tossing a loop at these big horned beauties!

What Ankole Watusi Cattle Need

If you’re interested in cattle farming for beginners, Ankole Watusi cattle are fairly easy keepers due to their hardiness. They can survive on little water and low-quality feed. Watusi possess a digestive system that utilizes every bit of moisture within their bodies. That being said, Watusi, just like any cattle, do far better on a good quality feeding program. Being the efficient cattle that they are, they don’t need large amounts of feed. A little of a high protein ration will go a long way. Watusi have minimal needs as far as shelter—a run-in shed or barn to escape the rain is nice, but bear in mind that it needs to be large enough for the cattle to fit comfortably without horning their neighbors, and any protruding hazards that might catch a horn should be removed.

Breeding of the Watusi can be tailored to fit the needs of the farm and the herd. Artificial Insemination (AI) can be used in a breeding program with as much success as natural breeding. These cattle are often bred for the quality of horn. Not all Watusi or Watusi crosses bear good horn and these cattle are often culled, somewhat similar to the natural selection process in the wild: the weaker cattle with low-quality horn get taken down by predators, leaving the stronger cows with better headgear to carry on the bloodline. Many half-breed Watusi cows are successfully bred back each generation until the calves eventually return to full-blooded Watusi cattle. This process is called “upbreeding.” Upbreeding and adding new blood to the Watusi bloodlines was extremely beneficial in the 1980s when problems from inbreeding arose.

How Well Do Ankole Watusi Sell?

Watusi can normally be marketed through the same venues as other cattle. But the unique thing about Watusi, and also one of the best selling points, is that they are not like other cattle—they are giant-horned wonders! Use the not-so-average traits of this great breed to your marketing advantage. If you live in a rodeo prominent area, market them as roping cattle. If you have a farmers market that attracts crowds, emphasize the lean, healthy beef. If you know a neighbor who wants a unique pasture ornament, sell them a Watusi! To reach a greater number of buyers, Watusi are often marketed through exotic animal auctions—these circus-like events attract buyers in droves. Most auctions have a specific section for exotic livestock separate from the other animals. Another way to present Watusi cattle to potential customers on the wild side is to advertise in exotic animal publications. Online marketing, and selling and swapping among other Watusi owners are also good ways to move your stock—and never underestimate the power of good ol’ fashioned word of mouth!

Ankole Watusi and You

Now that you’ve been introduced to the ancient long-horned Ankole Watusi, you might be interested in adding some to your herd. Whether it’s for beef, dairy, rodeo practice or simply having some pretty unique cows in your fields, these Cattle of Kings are sure to fit into your backyard.

Originally published in the January/February 2014 issue of Countryside & Small Stock Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy.

All About Ankole Watusi Cattle was originally posted by All About Chickens

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LAND BONANZA: Ministers, PS, MP Tinka, Foreigners Share Govt Land In Ankole Long-horned Cattle Rearing Scam –

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Minister of Agriculture fisheries and animal husbandry Vincent Bamulangaki Sempijja and Permanent secretary Pius Wakabi Kasaija are in trouble with

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7 Days Culture Safari in Uganda with Gorilla trekking

Overview of the 7 Days Culture Safari in Uganda with Gorilla trekking

The 7 Days Culture Safari in Uganda with Gorilla trekking commences in Kampala and can end in Kigali or Kampala depending on the traveller’s preference. The 7 days of Culture feature a blend of wildlife and gorillas. The safari involves a game walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park where the travellers can explore the Rothschild Giraffes, the Impala, Burchell’s Zebra, the Topi, the elands among others, whole day experience with the Banyankole community exploring the Ankole long horned cattle and its practices, the crop growing and extensive Banana plantations, the 1520AD eclipse monument and Erijukiro museum tour at Igongo Cultural center, the gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, the coffee tour including coffee roasting on the shores of Lake Mutanda and eventually the Batwa heritage trail exploration in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Read Full itinerary and Inclusions DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION Entebbe International Airport DEPARTURE TIME Arrive by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 8:30 AM or Before Travel Date. RETURN TIME Approximately 6:30 PM. WEAR Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen. INCLUDED Professional Guide Meals & Accomodation All Fees on safari. Transportation in 4x4 Van NOT INCLUDED Airfare Fees All other things not Mentioned in Itinerary. Highlights Explore Lake Mburo Park by Foot in nature Walk Observe local flora and fauna like elephants, lions, and crocodiles No need to plan anything, this is an all-inclusive package Enjoy a personalized experience during this private tour Enjoy Gorilla Tracking Activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Learn More of Uganda's Culture in Batwa Community. . Read the full article