The History, Geography, and Characteristics of Indigenous African Taurine Cattle

Abstract This chapter introduces indigenous African cattle—their origins, the history of their introduction, and subsequent dispersal across the continent. The first two sections (Sect. 3.1 on origins and history and Sect. 3.2 on present-day breeds and strains) provide a broad coverage of all African cattle, using a framework that can help trace the roots of the different breeds of African cattle that exist today. Sections 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5 are then dedicated to the African taurine cattle, the cattle considered to have originated and evolved in Africa, consisting of two major groups—the Taurine Longhorns and the Taurine Shorthorns. For each breed or strain within each of these groups, the chapter summarizes the classification; distribution; ecological settings; physical, adaptive, and special genetic characteristics, including selected breed photos; predominant production systems; and production characteristics. Some breeds and strains are similar in various dimensions of the coverage and are thus covered in groups. Moreover, the differential availability of data/information led to the difference in the depth of coverage between breeds and strains. The chapter concludes by presenting a summary of the risk status of the taurine breeds of Africa, especially noting the increasing interbreeding among neighbouring breeds, as well as intentional cross-breeding, and making a case for conservation actions for those at risk of extinction. The chapter also advocates for characterization efforts to enhance understanding of these breeds to inform programmes for their sustainable use. Section 3.5 presents a summary and conclusion.