Driving back into our lodge we passed a field of 4/5 grazing cattle just outside the lodge's grounds, so after we’d got back to camp I decided to walk back and see if I could get some decent photos.
Ankole-Watusi cattle are believed to have been introduced in Uganda about 500 to 700 years ago by
nomadic pastoralists who migrated to the country from other parts of the
continent. They are a hardened breed
that can adapt to any weather conditions and can survive in harsh conditions
and with less food or drinking water. Their long horns have evolved as protection against
predators. Apparently they are easy to
manage and do not need too much effort to keep them in condition. Farmers can expect good results with Ankole
cattle if they can provide enough water and pasture and the size of animal depends on how much pasture they feed on and how much care is given to them by
their owners. It is important to give them
a simple shelter which is spacious so that they do not hurt each other with
their long horns and also to shield them from heavy rains.
They are one of the most valuable
breeds in Uganda and are a major source of livelihood for the people who rear
them. Farmers can sell the animals to pay children’s school fees, medical bills
and or finance other needs. Farmers can also sell the various animal products
like meat, milk, ghee, skin and hooves among others. The average price of a mature adult Ankole
is around US$1,000 and so they are a great measure of wealth and social status
in communities. They are also very important
during marriage ceremonies with the groom expected to pay a dowry for his bride
in the form of cattle whose numbers are determined by the bride’s family. A family with many girls can suddenly become
wealthy if the girls get married around the same time!
The long curved horns are in high demand in the art
and crafts industry with artists designing them in various shapes and styles as
per client requests to act as decorations. I haven’t been able to find a
reliable estimate of how much the horns weigh – most sites are quoting 900 to
1600 pounds but that surely refers to the whole animal. Having lifted one up in our cabin I can confirm
they are very light and I finally found a YouTube video of them saying 15 lbs
(7kg) which is much more realistic. The
horns are hollow and contain a network of blood vessels and tissue which the
animals use to regulate their body temperature in the African heat.
I know from bitter experience with a highland cow just how aggressive they can be sometimes so I was rather glad these were the otherwise of a wire fence.
This one had a magnificent set - they can grow upto 6' long and depending on the shape of them, the gap between the horns can be as much as 9'
At first glance they may all look like the same animal but when you study the shape of the horn you realise they're not.
I suddenly heard a noise and turn around to find this lot coming over the brow of the hill towards me.
Do you think this one's reading the notice pinned to the fence.
Maybe it said No Ankole Cattle so it's staying put!
Obviously I was using a very long lens so I don't think I was in danger and they didn't seem to be taking any notice of me, but I wasn't prepared to risk being trampled so I cautiously backed up well away from them.
Once I was a good distance away I could then cross the field and reach the safety of the track.
This is a pair I found for sale on line, only small size but still almost 2' long and beautifully polished - only £170!
I must admit that seeing these cattle at fairly close quarters has been the highlight of my morning.