Breeds of Cows Directory: "K"

Breeds of Cows Directory: "K": Kangayam - Kuri

Information contained here is summarized from many different sources. Please refer to those sources for complete information. Major contributors are Oklahoma State University, Coroba University of Spain, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Domestic Animal Diversity Program of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Google Images and Wikipedia

Kangayam

Links: Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

The Kangayam cattle conform largely to the Southern Indian Mysore type, thought there is evidence of the blood of the gray-white Ongole cattle in their composition. Possibly this mixture has given the breed its larger size in comparison with other cattle of the Mysore type. This breed, in its native area, is also known by other names of Kanganad and Kongu though the name Kangayam is well-known. These cattle are bred in the southern and southeastern area of the Coimbatore district of Madras State in India. It is observed that there are two varieties of Kangayam cattle, one small and the other large. The smaller variety is found to be more numerous in the Kangayam, Dharampuram, Udmalpet, Pollachi, Paddadam and Erode subdivisions, while the larger variety is found in the areas of Karur, Aravakurchi and Dindigul subdivisions. The breed is found in its pure form in the herds of some large breeders, notably the Pattagar of Palayakottai, who is supposed to have one of the best herds of the breed in the country. Characteristics Both varieties of this breed are strong and active, with compact bodies and short, stout legs with strong hooves. Horns in the smaller variety spread apart nearly straight, with a slight curve backwards. In the larger variety, the horns are much longer, curve outwards and backwards and almost complete a circle at the point where they approach the tips. The head is of moderate size with only slightly prominent forehead. The head is more proportionate to the body with a straighter profile than in most of the Mysore type cattle. The ears are small, erect and pointed. The eyes are dark and prominent with black rings around them. The neck is short and thick. The back is short, broad and level. The body is compact, with well sprung ribs. The quarters are slightly drooping. The dewlap is thin and extends only up to the sternum. The sheath is well tucked up to the body. The hump in bulls, though well-developed, is firm. The hair is fine and short and the skin is dark in pigment and fine in texture. The tail is of moderate length with a black switch reaching well below the hocks. Kangayam color is usually gray or white. The males generally are gray with black or very dark gray coloring on the head, neck, hump and quarters. In the cows, the prevailing color is white and gray with deep markings on the knees, and just above the fetlocks on all four legs. The calves are light or dark brown with gray or white on the inside of the thighs, ears and forelegs, and occasionally with gray or white rings on the pasterns and fetlocks. At two years the heifer turns gray or dark gray and retains this color but with advancing age after maturity the color fades and becomes white. Male calves become dark gray or iron gray with black shading over the head, neck, hump, dewlap, fore and hind quarters. With maturity the black shading becomes intensified. Castrated males, however, show fading of the color. Kangayam cattle are of moderate size, active and powerful, and are highly prized draft animals. The cows are generally poor milkers but there are encounters of fair producing abilities. [Oklahoma State University]

Kankrej, Also Known by: Bannai, Nagar, Talabda, Vaghiyar, Wagad, Waged, Vadhiyar, Wadhiar, Wadhir, Wadial.

Links: Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

The Kankrej breed of cattle gets its name from a territory of that name in North Gujarat of Bombay Province, India. The breed comes from southeast of the Desert of Cutch in western India, particularly along the banks of the rivers Banas and Saraswati which flow from east to west and drain into the desert of Cutch. In Radhanpur State, which is adjacent to the Kankrej tract, the breed is known as Wadhiar. In Cutch State it is known as Wagad or Wagadia, taking its name from the community of herdsmen who breed these cattle. Characteristics The Kankrej is on of the heaviest of the Indian breeds of cattle. Color varies from silver to gray to iron gray or steel black. Newly born calves have rust red-colored polls, this color disappearing within 6 to 9 months. Forequarters, hump and hindquarters are darker than the barrel, especially in males. The switch of the tail is black in color. The forehead is broad and slightly dished in the center. The face is short, and the nose looks slightly upturned. The strong lyre-shaped horns are covered with skin to a higher point than in other breeds. The ears are very characteristic, being large, pendulous and open. The legs are particularly shapely and well-balanced and the feet small, round and durable. They are active and strong. The hump in the males is well-developed and not so firm as in some breeds. The dewlap is thin but pendulous and males have pendulous sheaths. Pigmentation of the skin is dark and the skin is slightly loose and of medium thickness. Hairs are soft ad short. The Kankrej cattle are very highly prized as fast, powerful draft cattle. They are also fair producers of milk. These cattle are resistant to Tick fever and they show very little incidence of contagious abortion and tuberculosis. It has also been observed that the red color is recessive. [Oklahoma State University]

Karan Fries

Links: Oklahoma State University

The Karan Fries were developed in India at the National Dairy Research Institute at Karnal. The breed was developed using Holstein (Friesian) and Tharparkar. The percentage of Holstein in the breed ranges from 3/8 to 1/2 of the breeding.[Oklahoma State University]

Karan Swiss

Links: Oklahoma State University

The Karan Swiss were developed in India at the National Dairy Research Institute at Karnal. The breed was developed using Brown Swiss and Sahiwal. The percentage of Brown Swiss in the breed ranges from 1/2 to 3/4 of the breeding. The Karan Swiss is a dual purpose breed with the oxen being well suited for work and the cows giving good quantities of milk. High producing females will produce 5000 to 6000 kg with a 4.78% butterfat during a lactation. The breed is usually light gray to dark brown in color. Karan Swiss cows average 127 cm in height and weight in the range of 400 to 550 kg (880 - 1200 pounds). Males will average 136 cm in height and weight from 600 to 750 kg (1300 - 1650 pounds).[Oklahoma State University]

Kazakh

Links: Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

The Kazakh is located mainly in north Xinjiang, China and is a meat-draft-milk multi-purpose breed. Most of the cattle are at pasture all year, with very little supplementary feeding; they are well adapted to the local unfavorable climactic, feeding and management conditions. Body measurements Kazakh cattle are about the same size as Mongolian. Milk production During a lactation of 5-6 months is about 880 kg, with a fat content of 5 percent. Cows are on pasture only during summer and autumn, and receive a little supplementary feeding during winter and spring. Reproduction Kazakh heifers mature at one year of age, begin to breed at 2, and calve at about 3. Most females are bred from May to September.[Oklahoma State University]

Kenwariya, Also Known By: Kenkatha

Links: Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

The Kenwariya are also known as Kenkatha. They get their name from the River Ken, as they are bred along the banks of this small river in the hilly area of Bundelkhand. These cattle are also bred in territories of Panna, Charkhari, Bijawar and Ajaigarh which are part of Vindhya Pradesh in India. Characteristics The Kenwariya cattle are small, sturdy and fairly powerful, varying in color from gray on the barrel to dark gray on the rest of the body. The head is short and broad and the forehead is dished. Horns emerge from the outer angles of the poll in a markedly forward direction and terminate in sharp points. Ears are sharply pointed and do not droop. The body is short, deep and compact. The back is straight but the quarters are drooping. The limbs are short but powerful and the feet are hard. The hump is well developed. The sheath is somewhat pendulous and ends with a black tip. The dewlap is moderately heavy. The tail is of medium length with a black switch reaching below the hocks. This breed is very popular for light draft on the road and for cultivation. They are observed to thrive on poor feed. Because of the hilly nature of the region and the poor grazing, only animals which can cover long distances and have strong feet can thrive. [Oklahoma State University]

Kerry

Links: (multiple listings) Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

Kerry cattle are most probably the descendants of the Celtic Shorthorn, brought to Ireland as long ago as 2000 B.C. They are still found grazing in the marginal pastures of the hill districts of southwestern Ireland. Kerries were imported to the United States beginning in 1818 and the breed prospered through the early 20th century. But by the 1930's, however, it had practically disappeared from North America. Today there are few Kerrys in the United States and only a few herds, based on recent imports, in Canada. The Kerry is a small-sized, fine-boned dairy breed, mostly black in color. Cows weigh between 780-1000 pounds and are horned. Milk production averages 7000-8000 pounds, but can occasionally exceed 10,000 pounds, with over 4% butterfat. Kerrys are hardy and long-lived, often still calving at 14-15 years of age. By 1983 the world population of pedigreed Kerrys had dropped to around 200. The Irish Department of Agriculture has since taken steps to support the maintenance of the breed and numbers are again creeping upwards. Status: RARE. Kerrys are globally rare, and thus the few herds in Canada are of great importance.[Oklahoma State University]

Kherigarh

Links: Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

The Kherigarh cattle are closely tied to the Malvi breed. The breed is mostly found in the Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Though the horn formation is typical of the lyre-horned Malvi type, the animals of the breed are much lighter in general appearance than the Malvis. Characteristics The Kherigarh cattle are generally white or gray in color. The face is small and narrow. Horns are thin and upstanding and measure 12 to 18 inches in length in bulls; cows usually have smaller horns. The ears are small and the eyes bright. The neck is short and looks powerful. The hump is well-developed in bulls. The dewlap is thin and pendulous and starts from right under the chin and continues right down to the brisket. The barrel is broad and deep. The sheath is short and moderately tight. Limbs are light. The tail is long, ending in a white switch. The cattle of this breed are very active and thrive on grazing only. The bullocks are good for light draft and quick, light transport. The cows are poor milkers. It is estimated that these cattle start work when they are about 4 years of age and weigh about 600 pounds. It is claimed that a pair of bullocks can haul about 1.5 tons of load in a cart to a distance of 30-35 miles in a day traveling at times 3 to 4 miles per hour.[Oklahoma State University]

Khillari

Links: Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

here is every reason to believe that the Khillari breed, with its several varieties, owes its origin to the Hillikar breed of cattle from Mysore State. Unlike some of the other breeds of cattle in India, it does not take its name from a geographical area. Khillar means a herd of cattle, while Khillari means belonging to Khillar; hence the herdsman is known as Khillari; in the Satpura range of hills, he is known as Thillari. There is a special tribe of professional cattle breeders in this region known as Thillaris. There are four principal types of Khillaris prevalent in the different regions of Bombay State. The variety Hanam Khillar, or sometimes known as Atpadi Mahal (the word Mahal shows strong similarity of cattle of Mysore State), is prevalent in the southern Mahratta States of Bombay. In the districts of Sholapur and Satara and the adjoining areas the variety known as Mhaswad Khillari is prevalent. In the area of the Satpura range of hills comprising the West Khandesh district the variety prevalent is known as Tapi Khillari or Thillari. A variety of more recent origin known as Nakali Khillari - Nakali means "imitation" - is found in adjacent areas of these regions. In the southern Mahratta States and the districts of Sholapur and Satara the Khillaris are bred by cultivators. In these regions the size of the herd is small, usually not more than one or two cows. In the Satpura ranges the Khillaris are bred by professional breeders known as Thillaris. These breeders produce bulls and bullocks for which there is always a very good demand. Besides their extensive use in their home tracts they are used in the adjacent districts of Poona, Ahmednager, Nasik and Bijapur. Khillaris are classified as "medium fast draft." Characteristics The typical Khillari animal is compact and tight skinned, with clean cut features. The whole appearance is like a compact cylinder with stout, strongly set limbs. There is a slight rise in the level of the back towards the pelvis. The ribs are well sprung and give the trunk a barrel shape. The hindquarters are squarely developed and the coup is well-moulded. The gait of the Khillari is quick and spirited. The Khillaris of the Deccan plateau, the Mhaswad and the Atpadi Mahal types are grayish white in color. The color in the males is deeper over the forequarters and hindquarters, with peculiar gray and white mottles markings on the face. The Tapti Khillari is white with carroty nose and carroty hooves. The Nakali Khillari is gray with tawny or brickdust color over the forequarters. Newly born calves have rust red colored polls, but this color disappears within a couple of months. The forehead in Khillaris is long and narrow with a gradual convex bulge backwards toward the horns. A distinct groove runs in the center of the forehead form the nasal bridge to the center of the poll. The face is lean nd long with smooth, tightly drawn skin. The nasal bridge is sharp and prominent. The muzzle is frequently mottled in color, a pink muzzle is not like by some breeders. Eyes are set in elongated fashion and are rather small, though prominent and often a little bulging; thick, wavy skin folds around the eyes give them a dull appearance and not often liked. Ears are small, pointed and always held sideways. The ears are pale yellow colored inside. Horns are long and pointed and follow the backward curve of the forehead. The are place close together at the root and grow backwards for half the length and then turn upwards in a smooth bow shape peculiar to this breed. The horns are thick at the base and taper to a fine point. Black colored horns are preferred though pink colored horns are frequently seen, especially in Tapti Khillaris. The neck is rather short. The dewlap is light with very little fold. The hump in males is firm fleshed and of moderate size. The shoulders are tightly muscled, well set in and merge smoothly with the cylindrical shape of the body. The legs are clean cut, round and straight. The hooves are black with digits closely set. The base of the hoof is small. The barrel is cylindrical. The lines of the back and belly are observed to be almost parallel. The navel flap, as well as the sheath, is tight and close to the abdomen. Hindquarters are well muscled. The tail is just touching the hock joint. The skin is soft and pliable though tightly drawn over the body. The hairs are fine, short and glossy.[Oklahoma State University]

Kholmogory, also Known By: Kholmogorskaya (Russian)

Links: Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

The Kholmogory breed was formed in Kholmogory and Archangel districts of Archangel region. It is the oldest and one of the best breeds in the country. Even in the 17th century Kholmogory cattle were noted for their fast rate of growth and high milk production. The development of cattle breeding in the alluvial plain of the Severnaya Dvina river was aided by the available flood plain meadows and pastures with legume-grass mixtures. Excellent pastures in the summer and liberal feeding with high quality hay in winter were the bases for developing such valuable characteristics as the large size, harmonious conformation and high productivity. The local residents attached much importance to the correct methods of raising the young stock by hand nursing not by suckling; they used special methods of feeding, management and milking of the cows. The first selection of the animals was performed by the Kholmogory peasants as far back as 250 years ago. A considerable economic outlet for the Russian cattle products (butter, beef, tallow, leather) in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries gave a new impetus to the local peasants to develop dairy and beef cattle breeding. According to the available historical data the Kholmogory breed had been formed long before foreign cattle were imported into Archangel and the adjacent areas. Kholmogory cattle had been exported beyond the boundaries of their initial habitat in 1693, 1713 and 1728 before they were crossed with foreign breeds. Highly productive Kholmogory cattle were used in various parts of the country for improvement of the local cattle. This intensive export resulted in the decline of the Kholmogory cattle husbandry. First attempts to improve the local Kholmogory cattle by crossing with the Dutch breed were undertaken in 1725, but there are no data available on the numbers of the imported cattle and their influence on the local cattle breeding. During 1765-1898 cattle from the Netherlands and from Holstein were imported in small numbers into Archangel province. According to Reznikov during that period 137 head of cattle, including 62 bulls, were imported. Nevertheless, the proportion of imported Dutch cattle was very low: in Kholmogory and Archangel districts the cattle population varied at that period from 19 to 23 000; the percentage of cows varied from 52.3 to 72.3. It is difficult to define how great the influence of the imported sires on the Kholmogory cattle was. In a monograph entitled "Kholmogory cattle" by A.A. Vityugov (Archangel 1928) and in the work by F.I. Reznikov under the title "New Data on the History of the Kholmogory Cattle" (Archangel 1949) it was stressed that the influence of foreign breeds on Kholmogorys was slight. Studies of Kholmogory cattle in 1911-12 (A.A. Kalantar) and in 1921-24 (A.A. Vityugov) showed that there are several basic and transitional types within the breed. They differ in conformation and productivity. In 1913-14 inspecting associations, cooperative dairy plants and mating stations were set up in the breeding zone of the Kholmogory cattle. The National Herdbook of the Kholmogory breed was started in 1927; in 1934 the state breeding station was established. They assisted in the breeding work with Kholmogory cattle by classification and selection of the animals, control of the raising of the replacement young stock, and identification of valuable animals. In 1936-37 on some farms a single cross with sires of the East Friesian breed was used to improve milk yield and conformation. The butterfat content of the crosses was considerably lower than that of their purebred Kholmogory parents; therefore crossbreeding was halted and the crosses were deported from the principal breeding zones of Kholmogory cattle. Good acclimatization of the Kholmogory cattle in various parts of the country encouraged their distribution to many republics, areas and regions. At present Kholmogory cattle are bred in 24 regions and republics, mainly in Archangel, Vologda, Kirov, Moscow, Kalinin, Ryazan, Kaluga, Kamchatka regions and in the Komi, Yakut, Tatar and Udmurt ASSRS. Each region or republic has its own specific climatic and feed conditions. The Kholmogory cattle are well adapted in those different geographical areas and show high milk production and such qualities as early maturity, hardiness, strong constitution and resistance to disease. In milk production, among the national cattle breeds the Kholmogory cattle are second after the Black Pied. Kholmogorys are not as productive as the imported breeds but the main reason for this is the low level of feeding and management and insufficiently intense selection and use of sires. In each region where the Kholmogorys are bred there are outstanding animals which are the founders of the lines, related groups and progenies. These animals should be used for pedigree activities on a wide scale. By the beginning of 1980 the total population of Kholmogory cattle was 2407000. The constitution of these cattle is strong and conformation is compact. The prevailing color is black-and-white; less frequently it is black, red-and-white or solid red. These cattle are large; the legs of the cows are upstanding and the body is long. The head is refined and of medium size. The neck is thin. The chest is deep but not wide enough, with a small dewlap. The back and loin are level. The rump is wide, slightly raised. The hindquarters are wide. The skeleton is well developed. The legs are correctly set. The udder is medium in size; most cows have an udder with equally developed quarters. The teats are usually cylindrical. The hide is medium thick and elastic. The muscle development is satisfactory. The basic measurements of mature cows (in cm) are: withers height 133-135, chest depth 70-72, oblique body length 160-162, heart girth 196-198, cannon bone girth 19-20. The defects of the conformation are: narrow chest, sloping and roof-shaped rump, legs incorrectly set. Pedigree Kholmogory cattle are well developed. According to volumes 25 and 26 of the National Herdbook (1982), the average live weight of mature cows is 570-590 kg, varying from 480 to 810 kg; the live weight of mature bulls is 820-950 kg, going up to 1170 kg. Kholmogory cattle are early maturing and have a high milk yield. The milk yield of 370 mature cows registered in volume 25 of the National Herdbook was 5394 kg and the butterfat content 3.93%. The average milk production of 949 mature cows registered in volume 26 of the National Herdbook was 5259 kg ranging from 3313 to 8901 kg. The butterfat content was 3.70-4.79%. The record holders for milk production are as follows; Khana 19-5th lactation, 8889 kg of milk, 3.93% fat; Khvoinaya 8 - 3rd, 7350 kg, 4.15%; Khartchevnya 30 - 3rd, 7000 kg, 4.57%; Tsavashka 8090 - 6th, 8010 kg, 4.06%. In 1983 the highest yields were at the educational and experimental farm of the Kazan Veterinary Institute (Tatar ASSR): the average annual milk yield per cow was 4583 kg of milk and 178 kg of fat; at the breeding station of the Zavet Ilyicha collective farm (Moscow region): 4746 kg of milk, 179 kg of fat. The highest production was displayed the same year by cow Gusenichnaya 682 SH-10510 from Kholmogorski state breeding farm in Archangel region: in the 5th lactation she produced 9804 kg of milk with 3.95% fat and 387.2 kg of fat. Breeding work with this breed is aimed at the intensive exploitation of its genetic potential in adaptivity and productivity. The study of the genetic characters of the Kholmogory cattle from various ecological zones by the erythrocyte antigens has shown that one antigen was 10 times more frequent in the herd of Polyarny state farm in Krasnoyarsk territory, than in the herd of Lesnye Polyany breeding center in Moscow region. The authors are inclined to explain the genetic differences between the populations by a specific gene profile and by the adaptive purpose of some alleles (but other explanations are possible). The Pechora Type of the Kholmogory Breed The original Pechora cattle developed in north European Russia (the Komi ASSR) were notable for their adaptability and high milk fat content - 4.0-4.2%. But with these valuable features they had low milk yields. For this reason they were crossed with the Kholmogory breed (1930-47). Later the improved Pechora cattle of desired type of the second and third backcross generations were bred inter se. In 1972 these cattle were given an official status and called the Pechora type of the Kholmogory breed. These cattle produced on the breeding farms of the Komi ASSR are highly productive. For instance, over several years the reproductive state farm Novi Bor produced on average over 4000 kg of milk per cow. Record holders include: Skala 5th lactation, 7343 kg, 4.17% fat; Ajda 4th, 6681 kg, 4.05%; Nauka 5th, 8355 kg. Animals of Pechora type also have good meat characteristics inherited from the original Pechora cattle. On the natural pastures (without supplemental concentrates) young cattle have a daily weight gain of over 1 kg for a consumption of 6.5-7.0 food units. [Oklahoma State University]

Kilis

Links: (not found) Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

The Kilis is a dairy breed found in southern Turkey. It is one of the varieties of South Anatolian Red, similar to the Damascus breed.[Oklahoma State University]

Kouri see Kuri

Krasnaya stepnaya (Russian) see Red Steppe

Krishna Valley

Links: Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

The Krishna Valley breed of cattle is used exclusively in the black cotton soil of the watershed of the River Krishna and other adjacent rivers such as Ghatprabha and Malprabha in the southern portions of Bombay State and Krishna Valley tract of Hyderabad State of India. The breed is of recent origin. It is claimed that during the last two decades of the nineteenth century some of the Rajas of the Southern Mahratta country which lies in the watershed of these rivers tried to evolve a powerful bullock for agriculture purposes in the sticky black cotton soil. It is claimed that Gir cattle from Kathiawar, Ongole cattle from Madras, possibly Kankrej from Gujarat, and local cattle having Mysore-type blood in them were used to evolve the Krishna Valley breed. Maharaja Sangli, at one time a well-known breeder of Krishna Valley cattle, contributed substantially in making judicious use of all these strains to produce the desired type of animal which eventually were used for breeding on a wide scale even before the characteristics were fixed to any extent, there is wide variation in the characteristic of the breed. Massiveness in size was the chief dominating factor which attracted the attention of the cultivators. The breed is found in the districts of Satara, Belgaum, Dharwar and parts of Bijapur of Bombay State and also in the native States of Miraj, Sangli, Kolhapur and Jamkhindi which are now part of Bombay State also. They are also bred in the southwestern part of Hyderabad State. Characteristics As the breed is an admixture of at least three distinct types, Gir from Kathiawar, Ongole from Madras State and local beasts with blood of the Mysore basic type, it shows a variety of characteristics which is in its short history of formation have not become well fixed. However, certain characteristics were emphasized by the original breeders and had a greater chance of perpetuation. The animal is large, having a massive from with deep broad chest, but is loosely built. The color most sought after is gray-white with a darker shade on the forequarters and hindquarters in the males. Adult females look more white. Brown and white, black and white and mottled colors are often met with. The forehead has a distinct bulge surmounted by small curved horns which usually emerge in an outward direction from the outer angles of the poll and curve slightly upwards and inwards but which vary a great deal in size and shape. The neck is short and thick and the dewlap is well-developed and pendulous. The sheath is also slightly pendulous. The ears are small and pointed and breeders prefer them not the droop too much. The body is short but the barrel is large and well-developed. Legs are short and thick and look powerful. Hooves are said to be soft. The Krishna Valley is a heavy draft breed suitable for cultivation purposes in the black cotton soil area which becomes extremely difficult to work during the rainy season, and for hauling heavy loads. on account of contributions form Gir and Ongole it has also potentialities of milk production. However, the milk-producing capacity is extremely variable in the breed. Due to the softness of the hooves and the heavy weight of the animals they are not generally appreciated by the cultivators in areas other than the native home of the breed. However, their large size and heavy weight attracted the attention of breeders from Brazil and the United States of America but, though animals of this breed were exported to these countries, they did not retain their identity. [Oklahoma State University]

Kuburi see Kuri (below)

Kurdi

Links: Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

The Kurdi have been the pack and draft animals of the Kurds centuries. The Kurds are nomadic herdsmen and agricultural people of the mountains and plateaus of Kurdistan, a region that is divided between Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Azerbaijan. The Kurdi is a distinct breed, the smallest of the Oksh group. The Kurdi is humpless with small horns or polled. The animals are fineboned and lightly muscled. They range in color from black to greyish brown or beige, with a lighter band on the muzzle. Mature cows average 300 kg in weight. [Oklahoma State University]

Kuri, Also known by: Kouri, Baharié, Buduma, Budduma, Budumu, Boudouma, Chad, Dongolé, Kuburi, White Lake Chad

Links: Domestic Animal Info @ UN | Oklahoma State University

The gigantic bulbous horns are an unmistakable trait of the Kuri. These cattle are native to the shores of Lake Chad where Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria join. The Kuri are believe to be descended from the Hamitic Longhorn cattle and have been herded by the Buduma and Kuri peoples for centuries. The tribesmen were strict in their selection of animals for their horns, many of which grow in a lyre or crescent shape. The horns sometimes reach 130 cm in length and 55 cm in diameter. Most remarkable is the unique pear shape of the horns. These animals are kept as dairy cattle in herds of approximately 30 females with one bull. The animals spend several hours each day in the water swimming in search of water plants for food. It is thought that the horns act as floats. The cattle are acclimated to water to such a degree that they survive with difficulty away from their indigenous area. They are easily affected by the sun if unable to bathe. Because of this, the Kuri are largely unsuitable as working animals. The bulls, which are docile and friendly in temperament, are occasionally used as pack animals but they are slow and tire easily. The females yield 4 liters of milk a day after nursing their calves. The Kuri are tall for an African breed, with a long back, shallow body and a large, bony rump. The legs are strong, long and bony with large, widely cleft hooves. Kuri are usually white in color. The females are 135 to 145 cm in height and average 400 kg in weight. The bulls range from 152 to 180 cm and average 475 kg of weight. Some males will reach 600 kg. [Oklahoma State University]