Recent derivatives have been formed as a result of coexistence of two or more breeds in close proximity to each other. In most cases this has been facilitated by increased interaction among tribal groups and sometimes deliberate but non-systematic attempts to improve specific attributes. The transition between the savannah and the forest zones of West Africa is the home of several of these "crossbred populations" some of which are locally recognized as breeds; for example the Borgou, Mere and Ghana Sanga of West Africa are crosses of zebu and local Humpless cattle (Rege, 1999; Rege and Tawah, 1999).
Breed Origin :
Stabilized crosses between humpless Shorthorns (Somba or Lagune) and adjacent zebu breeds (often Fulani). Earlier reports used the term Borgu to refer to all forms of humpless x zebu crosses in West Africa; however, observed morphological variations as well as involvement of different groups of parental lines led to narrower definitions. For instance, similar crosses in Nigeria (Kwara state) involve the N'Dama and are referred to as Keteku.
Main Location:
Kept under both transhumance and sedentary production systems of northern half of Benin, north-eastern Togo and south-eastern Burkina Faso. Also spread into north-western Nigeria, where they are known as Keteku. Accounted for 70% of the cattle population of Benin in 1990, and a third of it in Togo in 1978 (Felius, 1995).
Habitat:
Special
Characteristic:
Neck-humps in bulls only; variable coat colour, but most animals are white with black eyelashes and muzzle; show little sexual dimorphism. Planned genetic selection in progress at the M'Betacounou government farm.
