Dwarf zebu
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| ZEB 54 |
The dwarf zebu is a breed of domestic cattle from the Zebu line ( Bos taurus indicus ). The breeding base of the dwarf zebus kept in Central Europe comes from zoological gardens. But its origin is not entirely clear. Compared to India and neighboring countries, the zebus kept in Europe are only slightly smaller. Since 1999 there has been a federal association of dwarf zebu breeders in Germany. Worldwide, especially in North America, there are dwarf zebus, there called miniature zebu . There is an International Miniature Zebu Association .
Appearance
Dwarf zebus are small cattle. The height at the withers is around 80 to 130 centimeters, the weight in males around 550 kilograms and in females around 280 kilograms. However, there are also larger representatives. Males have a more pronounced hump and females a less pronounced hump. In addition to connective tissue and fat, the hump consists of six different muscles. Compared to the usual European cattle breeds, the hood muscle and the rhombus muscles in particular are enlarged. Strong dewlap formation is typical . The head is elongated, the ears are horizontal. The horns protrude upwards in young animals, mostly forward in older animals; asymmetrical horn positions can also occur. The color of the fur is dominated by whitish, reddish, brownish or blackish colors; there are also spotted dwarf zebus. The coat is very sparse: significantly less hair grows per square centimeter than is the case with European cattle.
origin
The dwarf zebus in German-speaking countries come primarily from Sri Lanka and the Caucasus and are now common in Europe. Due to the low weight and the surefootedness of the animals, they hardly cause any damage to the fields. In Central Europe they can be kept on pasture all year round, except in extreme cold. The calving can take place without human intervention, life expectancy is quite high at 15 to 18 years. Dwarf zebus are kept for their meat, which is considered a delicacy. Its texture is fine, dark, very fine-grained, with a slight wild taste.
literature
- Hans Hinrich Sambraus: Exotic cattle - water buffalo, bison, wisent, dwarf zebu, yak. Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart 2006, ISBN 3-8001-4835-8 .
Web links
- Information on zwergzebu.eu
- Federal Association of Miniature Zebus
- International Miniature Zebu Association
Single receipts
- ↑ Hans Hinrich Sambraus: Exotic cattle - water buffalo, bison, wisent, dwarf zebu, yak. Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart 2006, ISBN 3-8001-4835-8 , p. 25.