What are Miniature Zebu?
Miniature Zebu are the smallest miniature
cattle breed and the only naturally occurring breed to have mature heights
under 42 inches at the back. Most are between 36 – 38 inches tall. They are Bos Indicus or humped cattle. They
are a small and very manageable size, similar to a large goat. They are very
friendly with a wonderful disposition, behaving much like a family pet. Bulls are typically larger than female cows, reaching 400-600 pounds
and 300-400 pounds respectively. They are intelligent, hearty,
clean, disease resistant and adapted to high heat conditions as they are native
to tropical climates. They live a very long, productive life span of 20-25 years.
|
Their reduced frame size and being the smallest of the bovine breeds, we are able to graze zebu on a fraction of the acreage needed for any other breed of cattle whether miniature or standard. Some claim, and we agree, Miniature Zebu forage more like a goat than most cattle. Zebu cattle are excellent foragers and even browsers like goats. Zebu have a more diverse pallet than Bos Taurus breeds, cattle of primarily European descent. They are more inclined to eat brushy vegetation, forage on brush and vines before grazing the grass in a pasture. Zebu had to adapt to survive in an arid climate. Given that browsing tendency in addition to their petite frame Miniature Zebu make better use of pasture than standard Bos Taurus cattle (most European influenced breeds) and even miniature Bos Taurus breeds. A property owner in north Central Texas was quoted as saying “Miniature Zebu are the only cattle to keep on properties I manage. They are less destructive to the property given their moderate hoof and body size and will eat brush that tends to choke out the ability for wildlife to thrive. They also will dive right in to the brush and graze.”
The Miniature Zebu origins go back to western Asia. Zebu cattle are known to be one of the oldest breeds of cattle, possible dating back as far as 6000 B.C. There are several breeds identified as genetic donors to making up the Miniature Zebu as we know them today. Some of the donors are on the brink of extinction in their areas of origin being. Some contributors include Chittagong Valley Red Cattle, Northern Bengal Grey, Vechur, and Kasaragod. Zebu had to be very tough to withstand the climate and be efficient browsers to sustain and thrive. These evolutionary processes lead the way for the Miniature Bos Indicus Cattle we have today.
Miniature Zebu are productive and will reproduce well into their twenties. In addition to hardiness; conformation and athleticism play a large factor in this. They are very angular cattle and are at their core all about moderation, balance and proportion relative to size. Zebu are moderate in frame size and bone structure which also carries into their body capacity. This allows zebu to continue to be mobile for foraging purposes well into their later years in life. The moderation of frame size allows their structure and joint to withstand the rigors of life and travel much farther in the drive for forage. Part of the angularity of the zebu is also the natural slope to the rump which allows for ease of calving which also allows them to be as productive into the latter years of their life as the first years.
The mammary system of a zebu has also evolved for hardiness. While they are not productive enough for modern dairy standards, they have been documented to produce upwards of a gallon per day while still nursing a calf. Zebu have close well attached mammary systems with well attached distinct quarters. Zebu cows are not prone to mastitis, due to a very well attached udder and tight ducts which do not allow the introduction of bacteria into the mammary system. The milk of Miniature Zebu cattle is outstanding, with a butterfat content of up to five percent, and with a smaller fat globule size from that of other dairy breeds, making the milk easily digestible. Much like goats. This milk is considered to have medicinal properties and there has been some research claiming that the milk from such cattle helps lower the risk of many chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, autism, allergies, schizophrenia, SIDS, and cardiac disease. The Miniature Zebu breed carries the A2 beta casein gene variant which has been linked to a lower incidence in these as well.
Owning a Miniature Zebu is a step towards sustainability and independence. This is all put into a compact, hardy, slow growing animal that will sustain in even the toughest conditions. Miniature Zebu may just be the perfect cow for individuals and families, one that does not represent a huge carbon footprint and can provide healthy, rich raw milk, beef, companionship, and living historical art on small acreage.
The Miniature Zebu origins go back to western Asia. Zebu cattle are known to be one of the oldest breeds of cattle, possible dating back as far as 6000 B.C. There are several breeds identified as genetic donors to making up the Miniature Zebu as we know them today. Some of the donors are on the brink of extinction in their areas of origin being. Some contributors include Chittagong Valley Red Cattle, Northern Bengal Grey, Vechur, and Kasaragod. Zebu had to be very tough to withstand the climate and be efficient browsers to sustain and thrive. These evolutionary processes lead the way for the Miniature Bos Indicus Cattle we have today.
Miniature Zebu are productive and will reproduce well into their twenties. In addition to hardiness; conformation and athleticism play a large factor in this. They are very angular cattle and are at their core all about moderation, balance and proportion relative to size. Zebu are moderate in frame size and bone structure which also carries into their body capacity. This allows zebu to continue to be mobile for foraging purposes well into their later years in life. The moderation of frame size allows their structure and joint to withstand the rigors of life and travel much farther in the drive for forage. Part of the angularity of the zebu is also the natural slope to the rump which allows for ease of calving which also allows them to be as productive into the latter years of their life as the first years.
The mammary system of a zebu has also evolved for hardiness. While they are not productive enough for modern dairy standards, they have been documented to produce upwards of a gallon per day while still nursing a calf. Zebu have close well attached mammary systems with well attached distinct quarters. Zebu cows are not prone to mastitis, due to a very well attached udder and tight ducts which do not allow the introduction of bacteria into the mammary system. The milk of Miniature Zebu cattle is outstanding, with a butterfat content of up to five percent, and with a smaller fat globule size from that of other dairy breeds, making the milk easily digestible. Much like goats. This milk is considered to have medicinal properties and there has been some research claiming that the milk from such cattle helps lower the risk of many chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, autism, allergies, schizophrenia, SIDS, and cardiac disease. The Miniature Zebu breed carries the A2 beta casein gene variant which has been linked to a lower incidence in these as well.
Owning a Miniature Zebu is a step towards sustainability and independence. This is all put into a compact, hardy, slow growing animal that will sustain in even the toughest conditions. Miniature Zebu may just be the perfect cow for individuals and families, one that does not represent a huge carbon footprint and can provide healthy, rich raw milk, beef, companionship, and living historical art on small acreage.
Baby Goat Cuddles are over for the 2023 season, but we look forward to your visit next year. In the meantime, please check out our upcoming events and activities like Farm Camp join our mailing list and you'll be the first to know about all events including the 2024 Baby Goat Cuddle season.
____________________________________ Other Details
Where do I go when I arrive?
|