Somali Bulls & Male Calves Encyclopedia | Regional Livestock Bridge

Leading Somali bull and male-calf breeds

Somali Boran Bull (Hafay)

Sources: Afmadow, Luuq and Gedo

A large, deep-chested, prominently humped Somali bull and a leading option for heavy finishing and meat production. It is assembled from southwestern markets and sorted by weight.

Color: White or gray with dark pigmentation

Build: Large frame, deep chest, clear muscling and prominent hump

Weight: Male calves 200–250 kg and finishing bulls 250–400 kg

Distribution: Southwestern Somalia and border areas

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Somali Gassara Bull

Sources: Mudug, Nugaal and parts of Hiran

A medium Somali zebu bull with strong drought tolerance, a prominent hump and short fine horns. It suits fattening and slaughter at medium weights.

Color: Lead gray or dark red

Build: Prominent hump, short fine horns and medium frame

Weight: Common supply bands are 150–250 kg, with large bulls reaching about 300 kg

Distribution: Mudug, Nugaal and parts of Hiran

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Somali Dauara Bull

Sources: Jowhar, Middle Shabelle and Afmadow

A small-to-medium Somali bull, usually red or sandy, with short horns and a practical frame. It is selected for finishing and meat production at medium weights.

Color: Red or sandy, sometimes with dark patches

Build: Short horns, medium frame and sloping topline

Weight: Supply bulls are 180–280 kg, with large bulls around 280–320 kg

Distribution: Middle Shabelle and parts of southern Somalia

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Somali Surgo Bull

Sources: Bay, Lower Shabelle, Baidoa and Dinsoor

A medium-to-large Somali bull with a long body, relatively short legs and a moderate hump. It suits finishing and commercial supply and is sorted by apparent age and weight during assembly.

Color: White, light brown or dark mahogany

Build: Long body, relatively short legs and moderate hump

Weight: Common commercial classes are about 200–300 kg

Distribution: Bay and Lower Shabelle

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Somali Zebu Bull

Sources: Borama, Hargeisa, Gabiley and northern areas

A compact, prominently humped Somali zebu bull adapted to dry northern highlands and plateaus. It suits finishing, slaughter and supply to requested weight specifications.

Color: Ranges from red and brown to dark coats

Build: Compact frame with a clear hump

Weight: Commercial classes are about 150–300 kg, with heavier bulls on request

Distribution: Northern areas and Somali highlands

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