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Mini-zebu(Bos taurus indicus)
Phylum —chordata
Class — mammalia
Order — artiodactyla
Family — bovidae
Genus – bos
Appearance
Bulls are usually larger than females. Bulls can reach weights as high as 275 kgs, while cow weights vary from 136 to 180 kgs. Most animals are under 42 inches at time of full maturity, meaning they are at maximum three and a half feet tall. It takes a Miniature zebu almost three years to reach full development. Newborn calves usually weigh between 8 and 10kgs, measuring up to 18 inches when born, whilst they are approximately 45 kgs upon weaning.
The come in a range of colours, from black to spotted red. Bulls are usually darker colours than their female counterparts. Bulls are widely known to have a well developed black shaded hump on their backs, similar to the Brahman breed. They have erect ears which are not droopy but pointed, while they also have medium sized horns that point up or sweep back. Both male and females have a dewlap, as well as a hump on their shoulders.
Origin
It is thought that the breed originated from Southern India and also Sri Lanka.
Advantages of the breed
Mini-zebusare popular in arid regions due to their durability and ability to cope with high heats. They require little to no space and they also require very little care. They can easily adapt to most climates, having resided in the most testing of climates.
An average cow can produce up to a gallon of milk per day, which is heavily rich in butterfats.
Diet
Like all cattle, Mini-zebus are herbivores. They are grazers rather than browsers, which means that they feed on grasses rather than browsing for leaves and shrubs.
Also, like other cattle and members of the Bovidae family, they are ruminants. Ruminants have multi-chambered stomachs, and regurgitate their food to chew it again. After grazing, the Mini-zebu picks a quiet spot to lie in the shade and chew its cud.
Reproduction
Mini-zebus are considered sexually mature around three and a half years of age. Gestation is approximately 285 days. Cows give birth to a single calf weighing about eighteen to twenty-two pounds.
Because of the zebu’s hardiness and resistance to diseases and parasites, the average life span is twenty to twenty-five years.
In captivity
Like all cattle, Mini-zebus are social and must live in groups. Their enclosures should be secure, and provide them with plenty of space. They need lots of grass to eat, and supplemental hay when the grass does not provide enough nutrition for them.
