Miniature Zebu differ from other small cattle in that they are a natural breed.  They are not just bred to be tinier each generation, nor are they the result of a breeding-gone-bad.  Miniature Zebu are a hearty, disease resistant breed of cattle.  They are a tropical breed that loves hot weather and will lie in full sun on the hottest days of the year.  They have functional sweat glands that aid in cooling which makes them more heat tolerant.  They are  resistant to flies due to their very active sub-dermal (under the skin) twitching muscles.  On windy or cold days they prefer to spend their time inside a shelter.  This breed has a long life span, living 20 plus years with good care.  Miniature cattle are much easier on the land, pasture, fencing and equipment.  Five (5) acres can accommodate up to ten (10) Miniature Zebu. 

Miniature Zebu are slow to mature.  It seems the smaller the animal, the older they are when they first breed.  It is normal for a heifer to give birth to her first calf at around 30 to 36 months of age.  A newborn Miniature Zebu calf is extremely petite, almost fawn like.  Newborn calves are 16 to 18 inches tall and weigh 18 to 22 pounds.  Mature cows will weigh 300 to 400 pounds with the bulls ranging from 400 to 600 pounds.  Although gray is the most common, colors range from black, red, spotted or steel gray to almost pure white.  In mature bulls, the neck, shoulders and hump may be nearly black.

In the early 1990’s a group of enthusiasts met to establish the International Miniature Zebu Association whose registry would gather and maintain the studbook of this breed.  Under the registration guidelines, the mature height cannot exceed 42 inches, but most Zebu breeders strive to raise cattle in the 34” to 38” range.  Aside from their size, one of the distinguishing characteristics is a well-developed hump, especially on the mature bull.  Both bulls and cows have horns of moderate size.

Generally, these animals are not a primary food-producing breed, however, one advantage to raising Miniature Zebu cattle, is that you are looking at a 600-pound animal and after butchering your yield will be about 60%.  That’s 350 to 400 pounds of lean beef, just the right amount to fill the family freezer.  Miniature Zebu cattle can make excellent milking cows.  The normal Jersey or Holstein milk cow can produce up to 5 gallons of milk per day, more than the average family can use.  Your mini-milker, a Zebu, will produce a gallon of milk that is very high in butterfat and the quality of milk cannot be beat.

Miniature Zebu cattle are also the ideal show cattle for the younger 4H and FAA participants.  They are small in size and easy to handle.  The Miniature Zebu is an excellent exhibition breed of cattle.  They cohabit well with other animals, they don’t eat as much as the large breeds, and are easier to handle and care for.