Sokoto Gudali Cattle Characteristics, Milk Production, Origin

Sokoto Gudali is a cattle breed in Nigeria that is famous under the category of Dairy Cattle breeds. The Gudali cattle have five main strains and Sokoto Gudali is one of them. This cattle breed is native to Nigeria and is available in black and white colors. Their coat has two tones darker from the upper side especially around the neck area whereas other body area has lighter skin tone. In some individuals, their coating is multiple. This breed is known for its meat and milk production. On a commercial scale, these cattle are raised and bred for milk and meat production. 

Characteristics

The Sokoto Gudali is a native breed to Nigeria but resembles a lot of East African Boran and the Sudanese Kenana. These cattle resemble in size, their place or origin, and conformation. The Sokoto Gudali cattle has a wide but long head and the space between the eyes is noticeable. Their facial appearance is slightly convex or straight. Their ears have a convex shape but are large and long. Their ears are sometimes pendulous but to a little extent. They have a hump in the thoracic region of their vertebrae. The male cattle may weigh 130 to 138 cm from the withers while the female may stand 116 to 132 cm from the withers. 

Milk Production

The Sokoto Gudali cattle is well known for its milk production and reproduction. They are also famous for their meat production. These cattle produce up to 1101.3 kg of milk during their whole lactation period. Their lactation period lasts up to 244.8 days. This heavy milk production can be achieved with the help of hand milking or via machine milking. On average, they produce 4 to 5 kg of milk per day. These cattle are good at reproduction and get pregnant quickly. In the end, their lactation period starts and they produce a huge amount of milk. These cattle are used at a commercial scale for the production of milk because it is high in demand. 

Origin

The short-horned and short-legged animals are named Gudali. The Sokoto Gudali are linked to Fulbe or Peuhl zebu found in West and Central Africa. The Indo-Pakistani Zebu is considered the ancestors of Sokoto Gudali and it was introduced to the horn of Africa via Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. In 699 BC, the Zebu got spread to the west and south of the Continent. The Zebu of Central and West Africa are short-horned and Sokoto Gudali is considered among them. The Sokoto Gudali is one of the strains of Gudali breed and other similar strains are Banyo Gudali, Ngaundere Gudali, Adamawa Gudali, and Yola Gudali.