Zebu - An Introduction

Miniature zebu are a breed of cattle that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and were first brought to the United States in the 1920s. The miniature zebu is not a man-made miniature hybrid like the new varieties of cross-bred and line-bred miniature cattle breeds that have been seen on the market in recent years, but is a breed with the same proportions as its ancestors; with head, legs, and height in proportion to their bodies. This gives them a much more graceful stance and gait than man-made miniatures.

Miniature zebu are exceptionally resistant to disease and easy to care for. They thrive in various climates and are found from the hot, humid areas of the South and Southwest to farms of the Northern United States. With a life span of 20+ years, an average height between 36" to 40", and an average weight between 200 to 500 pounds, the miniature zebu is a feasible option for small or large ranches, and 4-H students. These gentle animals also make great pets because they can be halter broken, trained to walk on a lead, and are easy to transport.

So how do you know if a miniature zebu is the right fit for you?