Kingdom : Animalia Class : Mammalia Family : Bovidae Scientific Name : Bos Primigenius Indicus Size : 86 - 106cm (34 - 42in) Weight : 150 - 200kg (330 - 440lbs) Top Speed : 40km/h (25mph) Life Span : 12 - 16 years Colour : Brown, Black, White Skin Type : Leather Special Features : Small size and hump behind head
- The Zebu is a strong and sturdy cattle species which originated in South Asia.
- There are around 75 different species of Zebus known to us so far.
- Their distinctive features include a hump and a flap of skin called dewlaps.
- They are used for dairy, agricultural work and also for meat and hide.
- Although Zebus were wild and found in jungles, they have been domesticated over time.
- They withstand high temperatures and are extremely disease resistant thus thriving in tropical conditions.
- They are not solitary animals and prefer to be in peaceful herds.
- They can live for 12 – 16 years on an average and are gentle animals.
- They are herbivores who eat grass, hay, leaves, shrubs, grains and herbs.
- Gestation period for Zebu calves is 285 days and average litter size is 1.
- Zebus are hardy and robust animals and hence are used for labour intensive tasks.
- They are smaller than other cattle species and have less meat which is tougher.
- Their droopy ears are often considered as a sign of a pure bred Zebu.
- They are considered holy in India and consumption is forbidden in some regions.