Zebu

The symbolic animal of Madagascar with its large, curved horns and it hump, the zebu is considered the ebodiment of strenght, power and wealth. The expression "strong as an ox" perfectly illustrates our image of it.

Traditionally, the zebu has been a virtual savings bank for rural populations and those who can raise enough money to invest in the acquisition of these animals under the envious looks of neighbours. There is in fact a hierarchy of the nature of goods in rural areas, so aptly asserted by King Andrianampoinimerina who said: "If you want to build your fortune, start by raising chickens, then sheep because by reselling them, you can buy an ox.".

Despite progress in various areas, the population of countries such as Madagascar, where there is a high degree of illiteracy, is not yet ready to adopt the banking system and which may even make people nervous. This is understandable: there is so much complicated paperwork that it is preferable for wealth to be kept where it can be seen, and money is invested in the acquisition of zebu.

The greates satisfaction for a breeder is to watch his animals coming out of the park to be led to the pasture every morning and, against the backdrop of the setting sun, to return to the villages each evening. It is a somewhat restrictive type of farming, requiring the presence of one or more guards who spend all day outdoors in all weathers to watch the movements of the animals.