Description

A horn is a pointed projection of skin on the head of various animals consisting of a covering of keratin and other proteins surrounding a core of live bone. True horns are found mainly among the ruminant artiodactyls [not verified in body], in the families Antilocapridae (pronghorn) and Bovidae (cattle, goats, antelope etc.).

One pair of horns is usual, however two or more pairs occur in a few wild species and domesticated breeds of sheep. Polycerate (multi-horned) sheep breeds include the Hebridean, Icelandic, Jacob, Manx Loaghtan, and the Navajo-Churro.

Horns usually have a curved or spiral shape, often with ridges or fluting. In many species only males have horns. Horns start to grow soon after birth, and continue to grow throughout the life of the animal (except in pronghorns, which shed the outer layer annually, but retain the bony core).

If the soft tissue is left inside for longer than necessary, it will start to decay, and that will have adverse effects on the horn itself. It is, therefore, important to make sure that all of the soft tissue is removed from the horn. Any long-reaching household cleaning tool, such as a long-handled brush, should effectively clean most of the inside.

Based on colour, there are two types of cattle horn, white and black.

It is unbelievable how much use can be made out of cattle horns. The items can be as many as one can produce but the main uses are in jewelry, tableware, office desk items and bathroom accessories.

In tableware plates, peanut bowls, salt and pepper shakers, sugar dishes, spice cups, butter knives and Tooth pick holders among others can be produced from cattle horns.

For the office desk, you get ash trays, letter openers, pen holders and many more. For the bathroom combs, soap dishes, shoe horns and tooth brush holders.

It is in jewelry that the bulk of the market is located. Ear rings, bangles, bracelets, finger rings, hair clips, belts, necklaces and chokers can be produced from cow horns. Cow horns can also be combined with brass and the beauty of the horn jewelry is that it is durable, unique, and attractive, is not fragile and can be custom designed.

The market for cow horn and its bye product is National. With a population of over 165 million people, estimated national population growth rate of 5.7% per annum and an average economic growth rate of 3.5 % in the past five {5} years, Nigeria has a large ,expanding and sustainable market for the product.

Cattle horns can be sourced from abattoirs scattered all over the country. Below are some of the abattoirs in Nigeria.

1. Lagos State

Oko-Oba {Agege} Abattoir and Lairage
Apapa Abattoir and Lairage
Bolade Oshodi Abattoir
Army Cantonment Ojo Abattoir

2. Ogun State

Lantoro – Abeokuta Abattoir and Lairage
Ijebu –Ode Abattoir
Owode-Ilaro Abattoir
Sango-Ota Abattoir

3. Yobe State

Damaturu Abattoir and Lairage
Potiksum Abattoir and Lairage

4. Maiduguri State

Bornu Abattoir and Lairage
Gamborun Ngala Abattoir and Lairage
Mubi Border town Abattoir

The return on investment on the trading of cattle horn is estimated between 10%- 15%.