The zebu (/ˈziːb(j)uː,ˈzeɪbuː/; Bos indicus[4]), sometimes known in the plural as indicine cattle, Camel cow or humped cattle, is a
species or
subspecies of
domestic cattle originating in
South Asia.[5] Zebu, like many
Sanga cattle breeds, differs from taurine cattle by a fatty hump on their shoulders, a large
dewlap, and sometimes drooping ears. They are well adapted to withstanding
high temperatures and are farmed throughout the
tropics.
Currently (2024s), it is not correct to describe Zebu animals as Bos taurus indicus, but rather as Bos indicus,[4] because they are a different species from Bos taurus.
Origin
A
Pillar of Ashoka, dating to the 3rd century BCE, depicting a zebuZebu pictured on a coin of the
Indo-Scythian king
Azes II, late first century BC
Its wild ancestor, the Indian aurochs,
became extinct during the
Indus Valley civilisation likely due to habitat loss, caused by expanding pastoralism and interbreeding with domestic zebu.[5][16] Its latest remains ever found were dated to 3,800 YBP, making it the first of the three
aurochs subspecies to die out.[17][18]
Archaeological evidence including depictions on pottery and rocks suggests that humped cattle likely imported from the
Near East was present in
Egypt around 4,000
YBP. Its first appearance in the
Subsahara is dated to after 700 AD and it was introduced to the
Horn of Africa around 1000.[19]
Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the zebu
Y chromosomehaplotype groups are found in three different lineages: Y3A, the most predominant and cosmopolitan lineage; Y3B, only observed in West Africa; and Y3C, predominant in south and northeast India.[20]
Characteristics
Female zebu in Sri Lanka
Zebu, but also many Sanga cattle have humps on the shoulders, large dewlaps and droopy ears.[21]
Compared to taurine cattle, the zebu is well adapted to the hot
tropical savanna climate and
steppe environments. These adaptations result in higher tolerance for drought, heat and sunlight exposure.[22]
Behaviour and ecology
Studies on the natural weaning of zebu cattle have shown that cows wean their calves over a 2-week period, but after that, continue to show strong affiliatory behavior with their offspring and preferentially choose them for grooming and as grazing partners for at least 4–5 years.[23]
Reproduction
Zebu are generally mature enough to give birth when they are 29 months old. This is based on the development of their bodies to withstand the strain of carrying the calf and lactation. Early reproduction can place too much stress on the body and possibly shorten lifespans. The gestation period averages 285 days, but varies depending on the age and nutrition of the mother. The sex of the calf may also affect the carrying time, as male calves are carried for a longer period than females. Location, breed, body weight, and season affect the overall health of the animal and in return may also affect the gestation period.[22]
Zebu are very common in much of Asia, including Pakistan, India,
Nepal,
Bangladesh and China. In Asia, taurine cattle are mainly found in the northern regions such as
Japan,
Korea, northern China and
Mongolia. In China, taurine cattle are most common in northern breeds, zebu more common in southern breeds, with hybrids in between.[27][28]
Geneticists at the
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya and in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia discovered that cattle had been domesticated in Africa independently of domestication in the Near East. They concluded that the southern African cattle populations derive originally from East Africa rather than from a southbound migration of taurine cattle.[29] The results are inconclusive as to whether domestication occurred first in Africa or the Near East.[30]
Zebu, which are adapted to
high temperatures,[53] were imported into
Brazil in the early 20th century. Their importation marked a change in cattle ranching in Brazil as they were considered "ecological" since they could graze on natural grasses[Is there a
ruminant that can't?
clarification needed] and their meat was lean and without chemical residues.[definition needed][54]
In the early 20th century in Brazil, Zebu were crossbred with
Charolais cattle, a European taurine breed. The resulting breed, 63% Charolais and 37% zebu, is called the
Canchim. It has a better meat quality than the zebu and better heat resistance than European cattle. The zebu breeds used were primarily Indo-Brazilian with some Nelore and Guzerat. Another Charolais cross-breed with Brahmans is called
Australian Charbray and is recognised as a breed in some countries.
From the 1960s onwards,
Nelore which is an off breed of
Ongole Cattle became the primary breed of
cattle in Brazil because of its hardiness, heat-resistance, and because it thrives on poor-quality forage and breeds easily, with the calves rarely requiring human intervention to survive. Currently more than 80% of
beef cattle in Brazil (approximately 167,000,000 animals) are either purebred or hybrid
Ongole Cattle which is originated from Ongle region of Andhra Pradesh.
Uses
Draft zebu pulling a cart in
Mumbai, IndiaA villager with a decorated bull during Pongal festival
Zebu are used as
draught and
riding animals,
beef cattle,
dairy cattle, as well as for byproducts such as hides,
dung for
fuel and
manure, and horn for knife handles and the like. Zebu, mostly
miniature zebu, are kept as
pets.[55] In India, the number of draft cattle in 1998 was estimated at 65.7 million head.[56]
Zebu cows commonly have low production of milk. They do not produce milk until maturation later in their lives and do not produce much. When zebus are crossed with taurine cattle, milk production generally increases.[22]
In
Madagascar, zebu outnumber people, and there are an "astonishing" 6,813
Malagasy proverbs, common sayings, and expressions referring to zebu in parlance on the island.[57] Zebu are wrestled by young men in a competitive ritual of courtship called tolon'omby.[57][58]
Zebu are venerated in
Hinduism of India. In the
historical Vedic religion they were a symbol of plenty.[60]: 130 In later times they gradually acquired their present status. According to the Mahabharata, they are to be treated with the same respect 'as one's mother'.[61] In the middle of the first millennium, the consumption of beef began to be disfavoured by lawgivers.[60]: 144
Milk and milk products were used in Vedic rituals.[60]: 130 In the postvedic period products like milk, curd, ghee, but also cow dung and urine
gomutra, or the combination of these five
panchagavya began to assume an increasingly important role in
ritual purification and expiation.[60]: 130–131
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