The Nguni Breed

Southern Africa’s indigenous Nguni Cattle could possibly be the most beautiful cattle in the world. A fusion of indigenous and Indian cattle, the Nguni breed was introduced by the black African tribes of southern Africa from the north of the continent.

The Nguni breed is known by its fertility and resistance to diseases, this making them the favorite breed amongst milk and meat producers of South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Angola. These incredible animals are characterized by their multicolored skin and black noses.

The ancestors of Nguni cattle were brought by the Xhosa, Zulu and Swazi people, during their migration to South Africa between 600 and 700 AD. Since then, these animals have played an important social and economic role in the over all development of these societies. King Shaka of the Zulus understood that these beautiful animals were of cultural and economic importance and seized control of the Nguni herds on his dominions. Shaka also bred the Ngunis according to color patterns in order to produce skins for the several regiments of his army, henceforward recognized by them. His elite personal guard was recognised by pure white, from animals of the royal herd, the inyonikayiphumuli.

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