Commercial composites are breeds developed from a selected indigenous breed combined with varying proportions of exotic blood. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to at least six commercial composite breeds: the Bonsmara (South Africa), Drakensberger (South Africa and Swaziland), Rentilo (Madagascar), Manjani Boina (Madagascar), Mpwapwa (Tanzania) and Wakwa (Cameroon). Unfortunately, only two of these - the Drakensberger and the Bonsmara - are secure in terms of numbers and existence of programmes for genetic improvement (Rege, 1999).
Breed Origin :
The herd was established at the initiation of the monastry in the middle of the 17th century (about 1630), from religious donations of breeding cattle from the area as well as far off places. It is belived that at least breed types from the vicinity were involved in the creation of this herd; The Dembia, the Barca (Rutana) and the Felata (Red Bororo)
Main Location:
Maintained within the territories of an orthodox christian Monastry in is olation for over three centuries.
