Information was copied from the National Zebu Cattle Club (NZCC) and Wikipedia. Our own flair and some other miscellaneous knowledge was added as well…
History:
The history of the Miniature Zebu goes back thousands of years, finding it roots off the coast of Southern India on an archipelago. They are also native to Africa and Southeast Asia. This type of climate allowed the breed to develop a higher heat tolerance and insect resistance in comparison to most European cattle breeds. Their highly active sub-dermal twitching muscles and sweat glands are behind these characteristics. Their origin is important to understanding how they became the miniature size they are today. Being small in structure is beneficial when living on an archipelago, or group of islands. The closed environment can lead to interbreeding, causing a well-known side effect of stunted growth. This natural process is much different than the current system of creating miniature livestock that requires selective breeding down from larger full size species.
This heritage breed goes back to 3,000 BC where they were used as draft animals and family milk cows. In 1893, several of the Miniature Zebu cattle appeared at the Chicago World’s Fair. This is considered the first time the breed arrived in the United States.
Physical Features:
Miniature Zebu’s are the only naturally occurring miniature breed of cattle. Miniature Zebu’s have always been a small, completely natural breed and not the result of dwarfism or altered genetics. Miniature Zebu’s are not tiny Brahman’s. In fact, Brahman’s were crossbred up from original bos indicus lines to produce larger animals. The miniature zebu cattle resemble the Brahman look with a few exceptions. The ears are erect, not pendulous, and sprout small to moderate sized horns.
Other miniature breeds were bred down for novelty from larger animals.
Male bulls are typically larger than female cows, reaching 400-600 pounds and 300-400 pounds respectively. Miniature Zebu’s are 34 to 42 inches tall at maturity. The animal must be under forty-two inches or three and a half feet (measured at wither point) at time of full development. It takes almost three years for a Miniature Zebu to reach full development. Colors range in black, red, tan, white, paint, and steel gray. Newborns are only 15-22 pounds and 16-18 inches tall.
A common feature for the male bull is to have a well-developed black shaded hump. What about the hump? The hump evolved over centuries from the Miniature Zebu being used as a draft animal pulling carts and plowing fields. The hump is a firm protrusion without bones, like a brisket. The hump also serves as a reservoir of fat. The dewlap (neck) is loose skin to aid in dissipating heat.
Other distinctive features include its exotic face, athletic build, small ears, and a graceful, well-proportioned, angular body. Both males and females have horns. The more exotic looking, the better!
Temperament:
Miniature Zebu’s are intelligent, gentle, easy to handle, docile, highly social, have a strong herd instinct, and are happy in groups. They harmoniously share pasture space with chickens, goats, dogs, ducks, and sheep. Miniature Zebu’s are easily handled by children and are well suited for families with smaller acreage. They are lovable and practical!
Care, Health, and Husbandry:
The origin of the Miniature Zebu makes them compatible to being raised in warm or hot weather. They prefer the heat, but can adapt to colder weather. During the winter season or any cold weather they require shelter. The small size of the breed generates less stress on the supporting environment and is easier on the caretaker’s equipment and fences. Their diet consists of mostly hay and grain. If cared for properly, the life expectancy can be around twenty to twenty-five years. Their origin keeps them immune to most tropical diseases and are also very fly resistant.
Because of the immunizes, Miniature Zebu’s require very little maintenance as they are disease and parasite resistant. They also calve easy, and are excellent mothers.
Hoof trimming from time to time may be necessary when they consume feed in lieu of grazing. Pour on dewormer, diatomaceous earth powder, and administering vaccines are easy to do without special equipment.
If necessary, a young Miniature Zebu can be transported conveniently in a large dog crate. Expensive fencing, equipment, and housing are not necessary.
Miscellaneous:
Many reasons for raising Miniature Zebu’s include agricultural exceptions, pets, lawn mowers, bucking bulls, draft animals, petting zoo stars, novelty, youth showmanship, FFA projects, and family meat/milk production. Added bonuses of raising Miniature Zebu’s include the byproducts such as dung fuel and manure fertilizer. Typically, they have been raised for zoological gardens, breeding farms, show, producing milk and even to keep as pets.
An average Miniature Zebu cow can produce one gallon of healthy and easily digestible milk per day. Miniature Zebu’s produce milk with A2 Protein. That’s the original Beta Casin Protein, which existed before a mutation caused the appearance of A1 in European herds a few thousand years ago. It is also rich in butterfat. Over 5% butterfat.
The Miniature Zebu cattle have not typically been bred for meat production, however the meat is very low-calorie and low in cholesterol. Miniature Zebu are ideal for the production of homegrown natural beef if you so choose. Compared to larger cattle breeds, they are more disease resistant, tolerate heat and drought with ease, require only one-fourth of the daily feed of larger cattle, and they have a diverse forage drive which maximizes the efficiency of their environment. Both larger cattle and Miniature Zebu produce an average of 40% of their total body weight in delicious beef. An average Miniature Zebu steer will provide approximately 250 pounds of meat.
Youth & Showmanship:
Preschoolers, young adults with disabilities, avid breeders, retired people, agricultural students, and families… Everyone loves showing their Miniature Zebu’s. Their un-intimidating size coupled with their docile personalities make Miniature Zebu’s the perfect agricultural project for youth. Children take responsibility and sense of accomplishment.
Miniature Zebu’s are shown in their natural state requiring no clipping, blow drying, or shearing.
Beautiful, social, and tame, you can do almost anything with them. Costume contests, therapy animals, and more!
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