 It is believed by many that they hoard cattle, but this is a misconception.They keep cattle for milk not meat, and every effort is made to build up the cow herd to maximise milk production.They willingly sell male stock to acquire what they need, but to sell female stock would deplete the breeding herd and limit their means of survival, and there is evidence that collectively they have fewer cattle than is believed

The Barabaig are distinguished from other East African pastoralists by burying esteemed elders in a ritual they call bung'ed.