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Ankole-Watusi

Bos taurus taurus watusi

An old farmhand

The pastoral tribes of Eastern Africa have been breeding Angkole-Watusi cattle for 5,000 years. This domestic breed was created by crossing ancient Egyptian longhorn cattle with South Asian zebu.

A revered bovine

These magnificent animals are predominantly a status symbol and valuable possession – often being accepted as currency. Angkole-Watusi cattle are kept for their milk rather than their meat, and their dung is used as building material and fuel.

Characteristics

  • Origin

    Eastern Africa, primarily Rwanda and Burundi

  • Habitat

    savannah and grasslands

  • Diet

    grasses, herbs, hay and foliage

  • Status

    least concern

  • Size

    approx. 1,25 m

  • Weight

    300 to 500 kg

  • Gestation period

    almost 290 days

  • Achievable age

    up to 20 years in the wild, up to 25 years in human care

Threat Categories of IUCN

Did you know that ...

...both cows and bulls have horns, which can span up to two metres in width,
...the larger the horns, the more valuable the animal,
...and fully-grown bulls can weigh over 500 kg, whereas a female’s maximum weight is 350 kg?

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Today, 26. April
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