Zebu

Bos indicus

Range: Asia and Africa

Background: Zebus are not wild animals. They are the humped domestic cattle of Asia and Africa. Miniature zebus, or Nadudana, are the smallest of over 30 breeds developed in India. Many Hindus regard all of them as sacred. Miniature zebus are used as dairy, beef and draft animals in southern India and Sri-Lanka.

Characteristics: Zebus of all breeds are strikingly characterized by a firm, upright hump over the neck and shoulders. The hump is composed of muscle and fat. Vertebrae below and behind it are extended and forked. Miniature zebus’ dewlaps are trimmer and have fewer folds than those of other zebu breeds. Horns, usually less than 12 inches long, curve upward and out. Zebus do not moo or bellow like other cattle. They make grunting sounds instead. Zebus are highly resistant to hot weather. Sebaceous glands beneath their skins secrete an oily, odorous substance that repels ticks and other insects.

Size: Mature bulls weigh 400 to 600 pounds. Mature cows weigh 300 to 500 pounds.

Coloration: Steel gray is most common, however, color varies from black, red and spotted to almost pure white. Neck, shoulders and humps of mature bulls are often dark gray or black.

Diet: Miniature zebus are herbivores. Ruminant stomachs enable them to digest grass, hay, and similar roughage. Zoo diet includes hay and commercial grain mix.

Reproduction: Gestation period is about 283 days. Bulls aren’t fertile until they’re close to three years of age. Heifers (young females that have yet to calve) ordinarily don’t breed until they are two or three.