Cattle breeds
Dahomey
Much more than just food for predators
The dwarf cattle from the ancient kingdom of Dahomey
Dahomey is the name of a dwarf cattle breed, originally from an African region that bore the same name: the Kingdom of Dahomey, in what is now the country Benin. Dahomey differ from other African cattle breeds, in that they have the physique of European cattle and no fatty hump. Moreover, unlike other small cattle breeds, Dahomey were not specially bred to be small: Their diminutive size is assumed to be a result of unfavourable environmental conditions. Their colouring is either black or grey, sometimes with white patches in the belly area. Their tongue and throat are blue. The cattle have horns that curve forwards.
It is said that the first Dahomey cattle came to Europe around 150 years ago, as live food for predators that were being transported by ship. Some predators presumably had less of an appetite than expected, because a number of Dahomey cattle arrived alive in Antwerp and were kept there in a zoo, which is now one of Europe’s oldest, where they were bred and later sold to other zoos.
Robust, wild, yet people-oriented
It is said that the first Dahomey cattle came to Europe around 150 years ago, as live food for predators that were being transported by ship. Some predators presumably had less of an appetite than expected, because a number of Dahomey cattle arrived alive in Antwerp and were kept there in a zoo, which is now one of Europe’s oldest, where they were bred and later sold to other zoos.
Coat colour
Black or grey, sometimes with white patches in the belly area
Build
150-210 kg
Wither height: Ø 88 cm
Origin
The dwarf cattle breed originated in the African country of Benin, in a region that used to belong to the kingdom of Dahomey of the same name.
Source: dahomeyschweiz.ch
