Make Heifers Great Again®

Watusi, also known as Ankole-Watusi, are big horned cattle based out of East and Central Africa. They’re commonly referred to as “Cattle of Kings”. Back in the day, they represented wealth, and the more you had, the wealthier you were. Watusi are mostly known for their very large horns and calmness. Most people think that their horns are too heavy and unhealthy for them, but they’re actually the opposite! Watusi horns are actually hollow-like and look like a honeycomb inside! This allows them to circulate their blood through their horns, which is how they disperse heat and cool themselves. Much like a radiator for a car! So needless to say, they thrive in hot temperatures. Watusi are also able to hold most of the moisture they eat from plants, which in turn makes them more drought tolerant. Ahem, Hello Texas! 

Herds were started as early as 1960 in the United States, with the Ankole Watusi International Registry being set up in 1983. While Watusi aren’t as well known as Longhorn, breeders and ranchers are eager to get this breed out there! While Watusi can be eaten, and some ranchers do so, most ranchers raise for hobby. This breed has been known to produce different variations of horn growth and mass, as well as producing very beautiful colors for hide. It’s always exciting to anticipate what a sire and dam will produce!

There are two classifications of purity watusi fall under, which is Native Pure and Foundation Pure. Foundation Pure is 100% pure watusi that can be traced back to the breed in Africa. Native Pure is 15/16 watusi, and could very possibly be 100%, but their bloodline can’t be proven and traced back. Quite a few people prefer FP over NP due to purity, but we’ve found NP has some great pedigree within it too, and we don’t let that deter us when selecting our girls! 

For more information regarding this breed, check out our FAQ page, or feel free to message us!