ankole COW Project

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Ankole longhorn cow - Research & Background.

The Ankole cow, also known as the Ankole Longhorn, 

The Ankole cow has become a significant asset for community tourism in Uganda, particularly in the Ankole region. These long-horned cattle are not only a cultural symbol but also a source of economic opportunity for local communities.

The Ankole cow holds immense cultural value for the Banyankole people. These cattle are treasured possessions, providing milk, ghee, beef, and hides. They also play a crucial role in social and religious practices, including bride price payments and cultural ceremonies.

The Ankole cow played a pivotal role in the development of human societies through their contributions to agriculture, economy, and culture. There are several narratives that surround their origin as follows:

This is a unique breed of cattle believed to have been brought by bachwezi between 1300 and 1700 around greater Nkole region which later to be referred to as “ankole” due mispronunciation by colonialists.

The first long horn ankole cow is believed to be bihogo that dates back to the Chwezi reign in 1300.

Other historian’s believe they were brought by Ruhanga (GOD) who they believe to have been the first ruler of Ankole before the Chwezi Dynasty.

Others associate it with the sanga group of cattle breeds that originates around homo valley in Ethiopia

That was then crossbred with the African zebu breed to evolve into the current long horn cow.

Other researchers assert that it arrived in Egypt from India in 500-700 and evolved from the Hamitic humpless long horn cattle that later spread to east Africa.

Cow of Royalty in great lakes region referred as CATTLE OF KINGS.

These cows, graceful almost feline, are known as Watusi in North America, after Tutsi. They are renowned for their beauty long thin hooves, delicate deer –like features with soft dewlaps and prominent humps on the males. But what truly sets Ankole cattle apart are their horns. They can reach a staggering two meters in length. And some are so curved they almost meet at the top, forming elongated ovals and heart-shaped outlines. All very impressive.

Among the pastolists Tutsis, the Ankole cattle are symbols of status; a form of walking wealth prized more for the envy they engender than for their milk. They are rarely slaughtered; killing a fertile cow would be like burning money. It’s only when they have reached their elder years or have been injured beyond recovery that they are reluctantly taken away. Their soft leather is used for drums their horns converted into flute musical instruments. The long horns can be used for decoration in different places of Art.  

It is also known that the horns are meant for defense if the cattle are attacked.

Economic and social Value;

The horns weigh between 900 to 1600 pounds each and can be sold at different prices depending on the design that the client wants on horns. 

Cattle symbolize wealth and status in many cultures. They are used for dowries, and tributes in various societies, reflecting their economic significance. They can also generate income through tourism.

Ceremonial and social purposes;

The Ankole cow has traditionally been valued as ceremonial animals and symbols of wealth and power, with the beauty of a herd, especially the shape and size of the horns, holding significance. The horns strengthen social relationships representing loyalty and power within communities. Owners with large herds of cattle, particularly those with impressive horns, are more respected and are often associated with the owner’s prosperity and influence.

Additionally, larger horns in Ankole cattle significantly influence the dominance hierarchy within a herd. Cattle with larger more formidable horns are often perceived as more dominant, which grants them preferential access to resources such as food and mates. This dominance ensures the survival and propagation of favorable genetic traits within the herd. Those with larger horns play a role in physical displays of strength during struggles for dominance, particularly among bulls. These displays reinforce the hierarchical structure and help maintain order within the group.

ORIGINALITY;

Whatever the origin, the ankole long horn cattle turned to be a symbol of status in they are commonly found in Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and parts of Tanzania.

CULTURAL IMPORTANCE;

Ankole cattle lay at the cultural heart of the Tutsi social class. Elegant and gentle, sociable and highly intelligent. They are easily trained to recognize their names when their herders sing them. These cows are a benchmark for warriors and are considered a divine incarnation. They play an important role in marriage and family relations.

They are kept in south western Uganda also known as kaaro karungi in ancient days and they are highly valued and associated to the culture and heritage of Bahima pastoralist’s in that area.

Ruzizi strain of this breed is also kept around Ruzizi valley in DR Congo between river Ruzizi and Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, this strain is also royal in Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, in Rwanda for example, the nyambu herd of long horn cattle is reserved for the king just like enkoorogi in Ankole.

Given the above, it is evident that the long horn cows have been the sole source of livelihoods for the pastoralists in great lakes region and need to be saved.

Ankole cow will be a hub for education and cultural preservation, symbolizing Africa’s resilience and global influence. 

The cattle played a big role not only in Banyankole in Uganda but also in Rwanda, Tanzania in developing of human societies through their contributions to agriculture, economy, and culture. Their roles in rituals and symbolism highlight their human integration into human cultural frameworks.  

AHCTA is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the history the culture and contributions of Banyankole, it is to inspire young generations. 

The history of Ankole cattle for farming, in early agriculture, and their importance in shaping human societies during the rise of written history. Efforts are underway to conserve these animals, to promote cultural -based tourism. 

East and southern African Presidents have been instrumental in promoting and conserving these animals as owners, president Museveni of Uganda has thousands of Ankole cow, The president of Rwanda, president kagame and South Africa’s president Ramaphosa have cattle’s on their ranches.