facts about zebus
By zteve t evans
Zebus (Bos Primigenius Indictus) are believed to be the oldest domesticated breed of cattle in the world. They have a characteristic hump over their shoulders and from their throat hangs a large fold of skin called a dewlap, and have ears that are long and hanging. They are believed to have originated from the wild ox of Borneo and Java and become domesticated in South Asia.
While most zebus are grey, there are also brown, red, white, and black breeds. They are one of the smallest breeds of cattle in the world with adults standing at just over 1 metre in height.
While most zebus are grey, there are also brown, red, white, and black breeds. They are one of the smallest breeds of cattle in the world with adults standing at just over 1 metre in height.
Sacred
There are some Hindu sects who regard the white zebu as sacred and they are associated with the god Siva who used the animal as a mount, or to pull his chariot. From of this they were named Nandi and their images are placed facing the entrance to the shrine in Siva temples. Their images were found on seals of the Indus Valley civilization dating from 2700 to 1500 BCE.
Zebus are not eaten in India
Varanasi, sometimes called Benares, is regarded as a sacred city and white bulls are branded with the icon of Siva and allowed to roam the streets and city unimpeded. In other sacred cities this is also practiced and zebu became known as Brahman cattle outside of India.
In India they are not eaten but are used as dairy cattle and to pull carts and ploughs and for other haulage. In many other countries they are bred for beef as well as dairy production and also used as beasts of burden.
There are some Hindu sects who regard the white zebu as sacred and they are associated with the god Siva who used the animal as a mount, or to pull his chariot. From of this they were named Nandi and their images are placed facing the entrance to the shrine in Siva temples. Their images were found on seals of the Indus Valley civilization dating from 2700 to 1500 BCE.
Zebus are not eaten in India
Varanasi, sometimes called Benares, is regarded as a sacred city and white bulls are branded with the icon of Siva and allowed to roam the streets and city unimpeded. In other sacred cities this is also practiced and zebu became known as Brahman cattle outside of India.
In India they are not eaten but are used as dairy cattle and to pull carts and ploughs and for other haulage. In many other countries they are bred for beef as well as dairy production and also used as beasts of burden.
Resistant to disease
Zebus are hardy animals and are much more resistant to disease and parasites than most other cattle and have more sweat glands. They also cope with hot weather and temperatures better than other cattle and this is often attributed to their small size. These attributes make them popular in hot countries such as China, Indonesia, Africa, South America and the USA. .
Crossbreeding
In many countries crossbreeding has taken place to produce cattle that are better suited to the environment and needs of the markets. In the early twentieth century zebu were imported into Brazil where they were crossbred with Charolais cattle resulting in an animal that produced better quality meat than zebu and with greater heat and disease resistance than European cows. This new breed was called the Chanchim.
In the USA, where they are called Brahman cattle they have been bred with shorthorn cattle resulting in the Santa Gertudis breed which is good for beef production.
© 08/08/2009 zteve t evans
Zebus are hardy animals and are much more resistant to disease and parasites than most other cattle and have more sweat glands. They also cope with hot weather and temperatures better than other cattle and this is often attributed to their small size. These attributes make them popular in hot countries such as China, Indonesia, Africa, South America and the USA. .
Crossbreeding
In many countries crossbreeding has taken place to produce cattle that are better suited to the environment and needs of the markets. In the early twentieth century zebu were imported into Brazil where they were crossbred with Charolais cattle resulting in an animal that produced better quality meat than zebu and with greater heat and disease resistance than European cows. This new breed was called the Chanchim.
In the USA, where they are called Brahman cattle they have been bred with shorthorn cattle resulting in the Santa Gertudis breed which is good for beef production.
© 08/08/2009 zteve t evans
References and Attributions
Copyright August 8, 2009 zteve t evans
Copyright August 8, 2009 zteve t evans