THE MINIATURE ZEBU
 

LUTA

Eric, Lizzie and Taylor with Luta
December 23, 2007

Sometimes called "Brahman" cattle in the U.S., the Miniature Zebu can best be described as exotic.  There are only about 1000 registered Mini Zebu in the United States.

 Originating on the island of Sri Lanka, they are known as the Nadudana or "small" cattle, in Hindu.  Dating as far back as 3000 BC, they are one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world.  This small breed is not bred down from their larger cousins, but are a unique species all their own.

As with all Zebu, the Miniature Zebu are recognized by the distinctive hump on their shoulders, with the male's being more pronounced.  Their coats range in color from white to dark gray or black, with the red and spotted being much rarer.

In order to be registered when they reach maturity at the age of three, the Mini Zebu can be no taller than 36" to 42" inches at the withers. To be classified as a miniature, mature cows should be 300 to 500 lbs.; mature bulls from 400 to 600 lbs.

They are stout, hardy, and are resistant to a wide variety of diseases and insects. Their diminutive size, and their gentle, friendly dispositions, make the Miniature Zebus attractive as pets.  They are also ideal where space is low, pastures are thin, or water is scarce. Though they require adequate shelter during the cold weather, Zebus love the heat of summer and do quite well.