What are Miniature Zebu?


A Little History About Zebu


Miniature Zebu Cattle originally from the jungles of South Asia.

They are thought to be one of the oldest breeds of cattle, possibly dating back as far as 6000 B.C.

In Southern India, which is one of the principal cattle-raising districts of all India,

there exists cattle known as "Nadudana" or small cattle.

A few of these were imported in the 1920's for zoological gardens in the country.


Miniature Zebu in the United States are comprised of different breeds of zebu (humped cattle) that were imported to the USA. The earliest recorded import of Zebu was by Dr. James Bolton Davis of South Carolina in 1849.

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Zoological parks imported zebu in following years and

the first registry for Miniature Zebu was started in 1991 in the United States. Known as The International Miniature Zebu Association. Breed standards were established by the registry.

Why Miniature Zebu

Miniature Zebu are a nice manageable size of cattle and are an excellent choice for

your homestead and family farms with small acreage.

They are easy keepers and a hardy breed with several uses which include

Draft Animals

Milk & Meat

Show Stock - FFA - 4H

Breeding

Petting Zoos

Junior Rodeo Bucking Stock

Pets & More

Showing

Their small size makes them less intimidating for kids, easier to handle, and they are perfect for 4H and FAA shows. Furthermore, their small size is easier on the land and fencing. They are much less destructive to pastures, and of course feed and hay cost are lower then normal size cattle. They eat about 1/3 to 1/4 the amount of standard size cattle.

The Zebu Breed

Miniature Zebu are one of the smallest breed of cattle in the world.

Miniature Zebu differ from other small cattle in that they are a natural breed.

They are not just bred to be tinier and tinier each generation and are not just the results of breeding gone bad.

They are "known" for their characteristic of its hump on the upper back located right

behind the head and neck.

Miniature Zebu have a long lifespan, living 20 plus years with good care.

An adult Zebu should not exceed 42" when measured right behind the hump.

Mature cows average a weight of 300-500lbs with bulls averaging 400-600lbs.

Newborn Zebu Calves are extremely petite, almost fawn like. Newborn calves average 13-18inches tall and weigh 15-22lbs.

Miniature Zebu are a tropical breed and handle the heat very well.

As far as the cold weather, as long as you furnish them with proper housing in the winter months, they will do fine.

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