For thousands of years, Nguni cattle have lived and worked in Africa, first migrating with tribal communities before transitioning into the modern beef industry. This adaptable breed has a lot to offer in terms of value, especially for small or hobby farmers. In this article, you’ll learn about the origins and major characteristics of the Nguni cattle breed, including their unmistakable and unforgettable color and patterns.
Quick Facts About Nguni Cattle
Breed Name:
Nguni
Place of Origin:
Africa
Uses:
Draft, meat, milk
Bull (Male) Size:
1100-1500 pounds
Cow (Female) Size:
700-975 pounds
Color:
Black, brown, red, dun, yellow, white, cream
Lifespan:
10 years or more
Climate Tolerance:
Hot and cold tolerant
Care Level:
Easy
Production:
400-500 pounds of meat
Nguni Cattle Origins
The ancestors of the modern Nguni cattle breed first appeared in Africa about 8,000 years ago. They were raised by various tribes on the continent, who eventually migrated south. The breed developed naturally, influenced mainly by the environment around them. The first dedicated breeding of Nguni cattle began in the 1930s, with the first official program established in the late 1940s. The Nguni were officially recognized by the South African stud book in 1985.
Image Credit: Jonathan Oscar, Shutterstock
Nguni Cattle Characteristics
Nguni are tough, hardy cattle, shaped by the harsh terrain and climate of their native land. They tolerate both extreme heat and cold, as well as constant exposure to sunlight.
The breed displays good natural immunity to parasites and tick-related illnesses. Their slick coat helps naturally repel ticks. Overall, they are more resistant to disease, resulting in lower early death rates.
These cattle are adaptable to many different living environments and food sources. They are talented foragers, able to put on weight while relying on the plant material they find on the range. Whether their grazing land is steep hills or brushy plains, the Nguni will find a way to feed themselves.
Nguni are generally good-tempered cows, although bulls of any breed should be handled with care. They are smaller than many other beef-type cattle, considered a medium-sized breed.
Because of their body shape, Nguni don’t tend to have some of the calving issues that other breeds suffer. They are attentive mothers, with calves that grow and fatten quickly during the nursing period. Calves often reach nearly half of their adult body weight by the time they are weaned.
Nguni cows generally remain productive for many years, regularly birthing at least 10 calves during their lifetime.
Uses
Because they developed alongside rural African tribes, the Nguni served many purposes by necessity over the years. They were often used as draft animals, as well as meat and milk, although they don’t have a high milk production.
Today, they are primarily used as beef cattle, producing nicely marbled meat with minimal fat. Despite their smaller size, one beef cow generally produces 400-500 pounds of meat in total.
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Appearance & Varieties
As we mentioned, Nguni cattle are on the smaller side. Bulls usually weigh about 1,550 pounds at the most, while females are typically less than 1,000 pounds at their biggest. The cows have a more delicate appearance overall than the males, with no hump.
Bulls have a muscular hump on their neck area. Cows have characteristic sloped hindquarters, which plays a role in reducing calving difficulties. Nguni cattle have strong legs, developed to move safely over rough terrain.
The color patterns of the breed are unique, with no two cattle looking the same. They all have slick, pigmented skin, which helps protect against ticks and sunburn.
Nguni cattle are covered in short hair in a variety of colors. Black, red, brown, white, cream, and dun are all possible hues you may see. They may have hair in more than one color, splashed and dashed in a pattern of spots and patches across their bodies.
The cattle may occur with or without horns. When they do occur, the Nguni’s horns are long and often twisted or curved. Nguni also have small, pointed ears.
Population
Nguni cattle have a natural range that includes the countries of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland. Most Nguni exist in these areas. Although there is no recent population data. Estimates from the early-mid 2000s counted about 1.8 million cattle in South Africa and just over 340,000 in Swaziland.
Outside of these three countries, there are about 1,400 registered Nguni cattle, spread between 140 breeding operations.
Are Nguni Cattle Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Because of their hardiness and ability to forage for themselves, Nguni cattle are a good choice for small-scale farming. They can put on weight without relying on store-bought feed, making them less expensive to raise.
The cows offer a lot of value because of their ability to produce calves for 10 years or more. Their natural resistance to parasites and diseases also provides some peace of mind to the small farmer who may not be able to easily replace an animal lost prematurely.
Conclusion
Nguni are beautiful, good-tempered cattle, suitable for life in extreme temperatures and rough terrain. They produce quality meat without needing a feedlot, making them an economical choice for a small-scale farm. The biggest challenge for the small farmer outside of Africa may be finding Nguni cattle available to purchase since breeding operations outside their native countries are few and far between.
