Zebu
History of Zebu Cattle: The ancient aurochs, a tall, massively built bovine that once ranged from Asia to Europe and south to the Middle East, was tamed in several locations, one of them being the Indus Valley of Pakistan. These humped cattle became Bos indicus, better known to the modern world as zebus. Two types of zebus call North America home: the Brahman and the Miniature Zebu. Brahmin (sometimes referred to as Brahma) cattle were developed in our Southern states in the early 1900's using the genetics of four different Indian breeds, some by way of Brazil where zebu cattle are treasured for their heat tolerance, hardiness, and disease resistance. Miniature Zebus are a separate breed and not miniaturized versions of their larger Brahmin cousins. They are descended from Indian Nadudana zebu cattle imported by zoos during the early years of the twentieth century.
Conformation: Zebus have distinct humps over their shoulders and necks that are larger in zebu bulls and steers than the humps on zebu cows. Both sexes have pendulous dewlaps hanging from their necks to provide more skin surface for cooling. Zebus have more sweat glands than non-zebu cattle so they also dissipate heat through sweating. Their unusually mobile, oily skin helps repel bothersome bugs. All have dark skin pigmentation, so skin cancer rarely poses a problem. Zebus are also resistant to diseases. They're known for being docile, friendly, intelligent animals when handled with kindness. Miniature Zebus come in an array of colors including cream, gray, black, red, and spotted. Mature cows weigh only 300 to 500 pounds; bulls, 400 to 600 pounds. They are measured at the withers behind the hump and cannot exceed 42 inches tall at three years of age. Miniature Zebus have shorter, less pendulous ears. They are registered by two organizations,the International Miniature Zebu Association and the American Miniature Zebu Association. There are fewer than 1000 Miniature Zebu in North America.
Special Consideration/Notes on Zebu Cattle: While most people associate zebus with Southern climates, in fact Miniature Zebus are hardy, adaptable animals that given protection from extreme weather, fare well in Northern states too. Zebus thrive on low-quality forage. They are exceptionally long-lived and due to their calves' low birth weight, calving problems are rare indeed.
Conformation: Zebus have distinct humps over their shoulders and necks that are larger in zebu bulls and steers than the humps on zebu cows. Both sexes have pendulous dewlaps hanging from their necks to provide more skin surface for cooling. Zebus have more sweat glands than non-zebu cattle so they also dissipate heat through sweating. Their unusually mobile, oily skin helps repel bothersome bugs. All have dark skin pigmentation, so skin cancer rarely poses a problem. Zebus are also resistant to diseases. They're known for being docile, friendly, intelligent animals when handled with kindness. Miniature Zebus come in an array of colors including cream, gray, black, red, and spotted. Mature cows weigh only 300 to 500 pounds; bulls, 400 to 600 pounds. They are measured at the withers behind the hump and cannot exceed 42 inches tall at three years of age. Miniature Zebus have shorter, less pendulous ears. They are registered by two organizations,the International Miniature Zebu Association and the American Miniature Zebu Association. There are fewer than 1000 Miniature Zebu in North America.
Special Consideration/Notes on Zebu Cattle: While most people associate zebus with Southern climates, in fact Miniature Zebus are hardy, adaptable animals that given protection from extreme weather, fare well in Northern states too. Zebus thrive on low-quality forage. They are exceptionally long-lived and due to their calves' low birth weight, calving problems are rare indeed.