Decended from Shorthorn
cattle originally introduced to this small sub-antartic island
by the whalers in the 1800's, this species has able to survive on
a cold, wind-swept island by eating Kelp (seaweed).
In mid-1980 the Enderby Cattle - as they
are now called were brought to the public's attention by New
Zealand's Department of Conservation because they had nearly wiped
out the island's flora.
All but two animals were shot and a cow and
bull were brought back to New Zealand's mainland at Massey University
for research into their digestive capabilities and resistance to
parasites.
In 1998, new technological break throughs
led to the first cloned calf happening in New Zealand at Ruakura
Research centre, Hamilton. This calf is hoped to carry on the rare
Enderby name.
Reference:
Aaron Campbell, New Zealand
Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of
Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International.
273 pp.
Photographs:
Helmut F. Luge, Germany
