The Dahomey dwarf cattle is the smallest cattle breed in the world and originates from the Dahomey in West Africa, today's Benin. Dahomey cattle are purebred dwarf cattle and have not been bred small by crossing different species. Their tongue and throat are blue in color. They are very resistant to heat and cold. Dahomeys are very sure-footed and can be used for grazing on slopes. Due to their size and small weight, they cause little tread damage and can be used as an alternative to sheep in agriculture.
| Taxonomy |
Even-toed ungulates, ruminants, bovids, bovins, cattle |
| Habitat |
treeless pastures |
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| Social structure |
in herds |
| Diet |
grasses |
| Weight |
F: 230 kg, M: 300 kg, newborns: 10 to 15 kg |
| Shoulder height |
F: 80 to 90 cm, M: 90 to 105 cm |
| Horns |
both sexes |
| Gestation time |
280 days |
| Litter size |
1 young |
| Age at sexual maturity |
at about 1.5 years |
| Life expectancy |
up to 20 years |
| Commerce |
traditional: wedding gift, manure for fields and blood for ritual sacrifices |
| At Zoo Zurich since |
2020 |
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Sponsors
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E. + W. Haas, Küsnacht |
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DachPartner AG, Zürich |
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L. + E. Naselli, Zürich |
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DachPartner AG, Zürich |
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DachPartner AG, Zürich |
|
DachPartner AG, Zürich |
|
DachPartner AG, Zürich |
|
E. + W. Haas, Küsnacht |
|
DachPartner AG, Zürich |
|
DachPartner AG, Zürich |
