Watusi Cow Breed:

About Watusi: The Watusi breed is African cattle; however this breed has been North America since the years after World War II.



For several years, these huge-horned Watusi cows and bulls have been kept in zoos. But over the past few years, people have recognized their worth and these cattle are now owned by many private owners. They can be found in game farms too.

Watusi is a name given to a lot of similar cattle in eastern Africa. These are names of the tribes that owned them.



Watusi cattle are raised in Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and parts of Tanzania, Congo and Sudan. This is a distinctive breed of cattle in the whole of Africa. This breed of cattle belongs to mountain grasslands, and is kept by the Watusi tribe that lives on the foothills of Virunga volcanoes. The cattle are very hardy and can survive in high and varying temperatures.



In south-western Uganda the Watusi cattle survive in spite of infectious diseases, water shortages and overgrazing, which are common problems in Africa.

Characteristics: Long, uprising horns have been the trademark of Watusi cattle. Horns can measure up to five feet in length and six feet, tip to tip. These horns can be 16-18 inches in circumference. Tribesmen regard the Watusi cattle as sacred.

It is believed that a Watusi cow has large horns to protect herself and her calf. There are several wild animals like hyenas in Africa that could kill a cow in no time if she didn’t have large horns to protect herself.

Watusi calves are born alert and take only a short while to learn how to run beside their mother. They generally run in front of their mothers, with the reach of her horns. Watusi cattle stick together, and are always near each other. If they feel threatened, they can form a circle and use their horns to protect each other. These animals are a social breed.

Watusi cattle have long, ropey tails that they use to swat flies and insects with. These animals can live on very little water and food, and are very hardy. Their digestive systems use all the moisture in the body and this is the reason behind dry manure.

Watusi People: As mentioned above, the tribesmen, who raised Watusi cattle were known as Batutsi or Tutsi. They are descendants of invaders, and have a higher social and economic position vis-à-vis others around. They used Watusi cattle to conquer the Hutu population in Burundi.