Abigar are a breed of
cattle
Cattle (''Bos taurus'') are large, domesticated, bovid ungulates widely kept as livestock. They are prominent modern members of the subfamily Bovinae and the most widespread species of the genus '' Bos''. Mature female cattle are calle ...
found in
Eastern Africa
East Africa, also known as Eastern Africa or the East of Africa, is a region at the eastern edge of the Africa, African continent, distinguished by its unique geographical, historical, and cultural landscape. Defined in varying scopes, the regi ...
. They are classified as
Sanga cattle
Sanga cattle is the collective name for indigenous cattle of some regions in Africa. They are sometimes identified as a subspecies with the scientific name ''Bos taurus africanus''. Their history of domestication and their origins in relation to ...
. Although primarily
dairy cattle
Dairy cattle (also called dairy cows) are cattle bred with the ability to produce large quantities of milk, from which dairy products are made. Dairy cattle generally are of the species '' Bos taurus''.
Historically, little distinction was ...
, they are also slaughtered for their
beef
Beef is the culinary name for meat from cattle (''Bos taurus''). Beef can be prepared in various ways; Cut of beef, cuts are often used for steak, which can be cooked to varying degrees of doneness, while trimmings are often Ground beef, grou ...
.
Cows produce approximately 750 kg of milk per lactation.
The origin of Abigar cattle breed is found to be Gambella Regional State, especially the districts occupied by the Nuer people. The observed production & reproduction performance of the breed is promising under the prevailing stressful and challenging environment in the region. The Abigar cattle is said to be hardy animals in response to frequent disease outbreaks, drought and seasonal feed and water shortages and high temperature and heat loads. However, a gradually decreasing trend of Abigar cattle was reported in the study areas. Frequent disease outbreaks coupled with lack of veterinary service, lack of security, flood, cattle raiders, recurrent drought, rangeland degradation, illegal cattle marketing, seasonal feed and water shortages and lack of extension service were among the identified threats to the decreasing trend of the Abigar cattle in the study areas
Animal genetics training resources Abigar page
References
* Nakachew Minuye, 2011. Characterization of Abigar (Nuer) cattle breed in Gambella Region.LAP Lambert Academic Publishing
Cattle breeds
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