Studies on the Samba breed of cattle in Benin

Abstract

The Somha cattle of Benin and Togo currently number approximately 25,000 and are declining. The traditional husbandry system is based on small family-owned herds and is being replaced by large collective herds under professional guardianship. A village survey indicates productivity to be similar to that of other West African Shorthorn populations (offtake rate 8.12 calves/100 cows per year). Juvenile survival may be better in collective herds; the extra calves are retained to increase herd size, rather than being sold. Genetic studies show Somba cattle to be little affected by introgression from other breeds. Their conservation is advocated and the encouragement and development of the traditional husbandry system is also proposed.