Miniture Zebu

Zebus (Bos primigenius indicus), sometimes known as 'humped cattle' or 'indicus' cattle, are better-adapted to tropical environments than the other domestic cattle, the Bos primigenius taurus or 'taurine' types[citation needed]. The scientific name of zebu cattle was originally Bos indicus, but this name is now deemed invalid by ITIS, who classify the zebu under Bos primigenius along with all other domestic cattle and their extinct aurochs ancestors. However, domestic cattle are sometimes regarded as a separate species to the aurochs, in which case Zebu are known as Bos taurus indicus.

Miniature Zebu cattle are one of the oldest know cattle breeds dating back to 3000 BC. Because of that little is know about their early history. But these tiny cows were believe to have come from southern India and Sri Lanka in Asia. This is a very tough-hardy breed of cattle. And if bottle raised, makes a wonderful small family pet. At the withers, behind the hump, the height cannot exceed 42 inches, at 3 years of age. Many are far smaller. Mature cows should weigh 300 to 500 pounds. Bulls from 400 to 600 pounds. The colors that they come in are: steel gray to nearly white, cream, red, black or spotted. hey are also available in paint colors and brindles. One advantage of the miniature Zebu is that that are better adapted to heat than most European breeds. They require less space and care as they are extremely hardy and disease resistant. They may have calving problems in cold weather so one should be prepared for that. Miniature Zebu cattle are registered with IMZA and AMZA. Join either or both lists to talk about these interesting little bovines.

There are some 75 known breeds of zebu, split about evenly between African breeds and South Asian ones. Zebu have humps on the shoulders, large dewlaps and droopy ears. They have more sweat glands than taurine cattle, and have pest resistances not seen in European cattle[citation needed].

Because they were better adapted to hot environments, zebus were imported to Africa for hundreds of years and interbred with taurine cattle there. Zebu were imported into Brazil in the early twentieth century and crossbred to Charolais cattle, a European taurine breed. The resulting breed, which consists of 5/8 Charolais and 3/8 Zebu, is called the Chanchim. It has a better meat quality than the zebu as well as better heat resistance than European cattle. The zebu breeds used were primarily Indo-Brazilian with some Nelore and Guzerat.

Draft zebu in Mumbai, IndiaMany breeds are complex mixtures of the zebu and various taurine types, and some also have yak, gaur or banteng genetics[citation needed]. While zebu are the common cattle in much of Asia, the cattle of Japan, Korea and Mongolia are taurine (although possibly domesticated separately from the other taurine cattle originating from Europe and Africa). Other species of cattle domesticated in parts of Asia include yak, gaur, banteng and water buffalo.

Bulls from the Brahman breed of zebu are often used for bullriding in rodeos.