Dahomey
Even though they are small, their needs are the same as those of large cattle breeds. (Photo: Verein Dahomey Schweiz)
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.
Representatives of the Dahomey breed in Switzerland are black or grey, typically with forward-curving horns. (Photo: Verein Dahomey Schweiz)
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.
These Dahomey cows could be mistaken for the calves of the large Normande cattle, but when Dahomey reach a withers height of 90-100 cm, they are already fully grown. (Photo: Verein Dahomey Schweiz)
Dahomey cattle are popular as hobby animals today, due to their small stature. However, although they require little space, are undemanding in terms of feed quality and can also graze on steep slopes, these cattle nevertheless require attention and expertise in order to thrive. Their temperament should not be underestimated either: Dahomey still have something primal and wild about them. A person needs to build trust and to work on the relationship with them – after which, they are tame enough to handle and may follow that person around like dogs. They quickly turn wild again though, if they are not paid enough attention.
Sources : mutterkuh.ch, dahomeyschweiz.ch
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