The western region of Uganda is the ideal destination if you’ve ever wanted to meet the cattle monarchs. With one or two livestock keepers carrying long sticks, the long-horned cattle may be seen roaming the expansive grazing areas, helping to ward off any threats. Because they can withstand hard environments and thrive on less food and water, these Ankole cattle make excellent livestock.

The districts of Isingiro, Bushenyi, Ntungamo, Mbarara, and Kiruhura in Western Uganda are the primary locations for the rating of Ankole cattle. The grass on the expansive grounds serves as the cattle’s primary food source, however occasionally farmers may give them vitamins to round out their diet. The cows’ long horns, which may reach a height of eight feet from tip to tip, are their most notable feature. According to mythology, the purpose of the horns is to protect the cattle from harm.

The Ankole cattle’s history

As was previously mentioned, the Ankole cattle belong to the Sanga breed, which is further subdivided into other varieties. The Ankole is the Watusi type of cow. The Tutsi tribe of Rwanda is the source of the Watusi cattle’s name. The majority of Africans consider Ankole Watusi cattle to be sacred, and while some people utilize them for meat depending on where they are from, most people do not.

The Ankole cattle were raised by ranchers who are thought to have traveled from Egypt with Zebu cattle, which are native to India. The crossbreeding produced the sanga cow family, which is the ancestor of the Ankole cattle. Although the ancient Sanga is still raised in Ghana and Zambezi, the sanga is now raised in Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.

Since the majority of people rely entirely on cattle to provide for their families, the cattle are revered for the role they play in their lives. They are also used to gauge a person’s social standing; if a person has more battles, their position is higher than that of someone with fewer cattle. In addition to their tall horns, the cattle are distinguished by their pendulous sheath, dewlap, and variable-sized neck hump.

The beautiful, long-horned Ankole cattle, often referred to by the locals as the Inyambo, travel great distances in pursuit of grass and water. In addition, they are regarded as a magnificent manifestation of God and a standard for soldiers. Although the skin may also be used to make traditional regalia like garments, stools, drums, and sandals, the cattle are raised for their milk and meat.

The Inyambo are grown in the Right Valley, particularly in the cattle corridor that runs along the Rwandan-Ugandan border. The people who raise the cattle also set the schedule based on when the cows graze, thus mornings are called “grazing time” and evenings are called “home time” because it is when the cattle are brought home from the grazing areas.

The size of the cattle varies according to the farmers’ care, but it’s important to remember that the young calves are usually between 14 and 23 kg, which makes them a viable option for cross-breeding when the time comes.

We will first examine a quick overview of the Ankole cows before talking about the breeds and their manner of life.

Ankole cattle prices in Uganda
An adult Ankole cow costs $1,000, or 3.5 million Ugandan shillings.

The varieties of Ankole cattle breeds

Ankole cattle come in three primary breeds, which include the following:

The Strain of Bahema
The Bahema strain is located close to the Amin and Edward Lakes in Kivu’s northern region. Compared to the other strains, the Bahema strain has comparatively smaller horns, and their color changes over time. The primary goal of raising this breed in Uganda is to generate income via the production of meat, milk, and ghee, as well as to provide dowries for the females that the sons bring for marriage.

The strain of Tutsis
Burundi, close to Lake Tanganyika, is where this is mostly raised. The Tutsi strains are mostly red in color and have the biggest horns.

The Strain of Bashi
The southern region of Kivu, close to Lake Kivu, is home to the Bashi variety.

The strain of Kigezi
Although the Kigezi strain is quite uncommon, it has several characteristics with the Bahema strain. This is located in the Kigezi highlands.

What is necessary for the healthy growth of Ankole cattle?

The Ankole cattle can easily take care of themselves, therefore they don’t require a lot of housing. All they require is a shed to which they may retreat, particularly in the event of rain. When building a barn for the cattle, you must ensure that there is adequate room for all of them to avoid running into each other with their long horns.

Because of their excellent digestive systems, which can use fluids in the cow’s body as long as the diet contains proteins, these cattle have the advantage of being able to thrive on relatively little food and water.

How the Ankole Watusi cattle are sold

Because of their huge bodies and long horns, Ankole Watusi cattle get a greater price than other breeds, even though they are sold like any other cow. The cattle may be brought to various metropolitan centers for sale, or they may be sold while remaining on the farms. Typically, abattoirs who sell meat in bulk across the nation purchase the Ankole animals.

Because more people are using the internet, they may also be marketed through online advertising or word-of-mouth. In Uganda, word-of-mouth marketing is unquestionably the most effective technique to sell these animals. The size and age of the Ankole Watusi cattle are the primary determinants of their pricing.

The horns of Ankole Watusi

The horns of Ankole cattle are sold for aesthetic purposes in addition to being used for food and bloodletting. The amazing design that these horns create when put in a space makes them a must-have for any art department enthusiast. To prevent damage during transit, these horns are transported to the market wrapped in natural skins and secured with a twine rope on each horn.

Depending on the client’s desired design, the horns can be offered for a variety of costs and weigh between 900 and 1600 pounds apiece.

Ankole cattle’s significance or relevance

Because of its high fat content, the milk from the cattle is used to make ghee and yogurt.

After the cattle are killed, their blood is also utilized to make a local dish that the people consider to be a delicacy.

Social ties are strengthened via the usage of cattle. When individuals go out to graze their cattle, they are likely to chat about many subjects and their animals, which will strengthen their connection.

The farmers make money from their animals.

Manure from gardens, particularly banana plantations, and livestock waste, particularly dung, are used to finish homes.

The villagers also use the cattle’s urine for medical purposes.

Since the cattle are used to pay the dowry, they also play a significant part in the introduction rites. According to the Ankole people, a dowry is only deemed sufficient if the groom gives the bride’s family the specified quantity of animals.

In several art locations, the long horns are employed as decorations.

For the individuals who raise them, cattle also symbolize prestige; those who own a large number of cattle are considered to be of great social standing.

The indigenous population uses the hide and skin to make clothing and decorations.

Additionally, the cattle supply nourishment in the form of milk, meat, and other byproducts.

Cows are regarded as the ideal present for someone else in Ankole.

After learning about the amazing Ankole Watusi cattle, you may wish to create your own farm or add a couple to your herd for a crossbreed. Starting a farm is not that hard, and all you need are the fundamentals of raising cattle. Another breed of cattle can be produced by crossbreeding Ankole Watusi cattle. Additionally, you will have a limitless supply of manure at no cost thanks to their dung.