Afar cattle
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Country of originEthiopia
Distributionwestern margins of the Danakil depression
UseMilk, meat
Coatred, black
| Country of origin | Ethiopia |
|---|---|
| Distribution | western margins of the Danakil depression |
| Use | Milk, meat |
| Traits | |
| Coat | red, black |
| Horn status | long |
| |
The Afar cattle are mainly found on the western margins of the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia.[1][2] The Afar cattle have thick and long horns and a cervicothoracic hump; they are essentially reared for milk production.[2]
Origin of the cattle breed
Ethiopia has been at a crossroads for cattle immigration to Africa[3][4] due to
- proximity to the geographical entry of Indian and Arabian zebu
- proximity to Near-Eastern and European taurine
- introgression with West African taurine due to pastoralism
Furthermore, the diverse agro-ecology led to diverse farming systems which, in turn, made Ethiopia a centre of secondary diversification[3] for livestock :
- The Sanga cattle originated in Ethiopia. They are a major bovine group in Africa – a cross-breeding of local long-horned taurines and Arabian zebus.[4] This comprises the Afar cattle
- The Zenga (Zebu-Sanga) breeds, which resulted from a second introduction and crossing with Indian zebu[4]