GOING BACKWARDS? – MOVING FORWARD? – NGUNI CATTLE IN COMMUNAL KWAZULU-NATAL

The Nguni. an indigenous, small to medium size cattle breed of eastern and northern South Africa is well adapted to low quality feed, has a high degree of tick resistance, is docile, early maturing and fertile. It is also a typical multi-purpose animal, used for meat, milk, leather, draught, saving account, as well as various socio-cultural functions. Because of its heterogeneity in colour, hornshape and confirmation Nguni were rejected as “scrub ” by the great majority of white settlers. After being told that Ngunis are inferior cattle, communal farmers started to believe that and started crossbreeding their cattle with cattle from commercial farms. More recently scientists and commercial farmers have developed an interest in Nguni as low external input breed. A breed society has been formed almost 20 years ago. A recent book on the meaning of Nguni colour pattern became a best-seller. A study of animal husbandry practices in communal areas of KwaZulu-Natal for two development project brought to light the lack of current information among communal farmers. Farmers were rather sceptible with respect to Ngunis, and presently keep a crosses with commercial breeds. The promised higher productivity does not materialize, particularly because of insuffient feed., but a visit to a stud farm or even showing a booklet on South African breeds already created some interest. The development projects are now looking for ways to promote Nguni cattle among. Possibilities include communal bull-keeping, or even AI, depending on local circumstances