Country of origin | Ethiopia |
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Distribution | Abergele lowlands, southwestern slopes of Dogu'a Tembien |
Use | Draught, meat, milk (in that order) |
Traits | |
Weight |
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Coat | red or black |
Horn status | medium |
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The Abergele cattle are the smallest breed of cattle in north Ethiopia.[1] They are reared in the Abergele lowlands and at the southwestern lower slopes of Dogu'a Tembien district. Abergele cattle are part of the Zenga breed group. The Abergele breed is known for its adaptation to the hotter and drier lowlands. It is also very tolerant to diseases and parasites and can cope with feed shortages during long dry periods.[2][3]
The Abergele cattle generally have red coat colours. Bulls and oxen have thick and short horns and a cervicothoracic hump; cows have medium, thin horns. Oxen weigh 234kg and cows 153 kg on average. The average height at withers of 109 and 97 cm.[2]
Ethiopia has been at a crossroads for cattle immigration to Africa[4][5] due to
Furthermore, the diverse agro-ecology led to diverse farming systems which, in turn, made Ethiopia a centre of secondary diversification[4] for livestock :
See also: Soil in Tanqwa Abergele |