Cattle

Most cattle in Swaziland are of Nguni stock — a short-haired, hardy breed, highly resistant to ticks and disease. They are easily recognised by their wide horns and randomly spotted hides. Cattle arrived in Swaziland from the north around 1000 years ago. It is not known how these cattle survived the perilous journey through the tsetse fly belt en route from Central and East Africa.

Attempts have been made to cross this stock with Brahmins and Jersey and other exotic breeds to increase meat bulk and milk carrying capacity. The traditional indicator of wealth and status in Swaziland is cattle. Prestige is derived from the number of cattle owned rather than the quality or commercial value of them, and so overgrazing is rife. Swaziland has one of the highest density grazing rates in Africa, one beast to each 1.6 hectares. There are more cattle than people in the country.