Varieties and Physical Characteristics of Indigenous Cattle Breeds in Somalia: A Literature Review

Abstract

The aim of this review was to find out the indigenous Somali cattle breeds in Mogadishu, Somalia and also what is the physical difference between them and what do other scholar wrote about them, this breeds have some unique characteristics and they have one thing in common which is important for pastoralist communities because pastoralists depend on these animals for their livelihood. This study found different types of indigenous breeds including Dawara, Surqo, Gassara, Saywal and Somali Boran those were originated in local community as well as other breeder were hybrid but all of them were resilient and sustainable for local pastoralists. The Somali cattle breeds occupy specific niches in terms of environment and diseases.

They have cultural importance with milk and meat; and play roles in local economies supporting their livelihoods. The Boran breed, said to have originated from the Boran clan in south Ethiopia, is exposed to high temperatures and infectious diseases. They are not only good for meat but also produce substantial amounts of milk. The Gassara breed is smaller than other breeds and has been described as being less productive but able to survive under harsh conditions because they easily adapt and store fat – valuable features during droughts when pastures disappear. Similarly, the Dawara breed plays an important role among some pastoral Somali communities and remains culturally valued by them even though its milk yields have been recorded as being lower than those of other breeds. Saywal cattle is a local variety of the Sahiwal which is both a milk and meat producing breed that originated in India as evidenced by the history of trade activities on the livestock heritages in the region.

The Surqo breed of cattle is a cross-breed between boran and dawara breeds hence their contribution to food security in certain regions of Somalia. Cattle hybrids, on the other hand, introduced in with the help of the Somali government through overseas artificial insemination have higher milk production but take time to adapt with the environment. Therefore, the protection of the genetic resources and unique characteristics of these locally developed breeds is of prerequisite importance to the livelihood of pastoralists and food security in Somalia.

The study recommends establishing artificial insemination centers in all region were dominate with cattle husbandry to produce hybrids that combine the hardiness of local cattle breeds those have desirable productivity characteristics. Additionally, development international collaboration Such as agencies those have skilled in livestock biotechnology and also ability to enhance the effectiveness of breeding programs of cattle. Also make Improve management practices, including the rotational grazing and the development of water resources for rural areas, together with training for pastoralists and agro-pastoralists on modern husbandry techniques, are also essential.