Zebus (Bos taurus indicus), sometimes known as 'humped cattle', are better-adapted to tropical environments than other domestic cattle. Their scientific name was originally Bos indicus, but this name is now deemed invalid by ITIS, who classify the zebu under Bos taurus along with all other domestic cattle, and their aurochs ancestors, domesticated in India about 10,000 years ago. The ancient species of Bos nomadicus cattle or even gaur may have contributed to the development of the zebus. There are some 75 known breeds, split about evenly between African breeds and South Asian ones. The major Zebu cattle breeds of the world include Gyr, Guzerat, Indu-Brazilian, Brahman, Nellore, Ongole, Sahiwal, Afrikaner, Red Sindhi, Butana, Kenana, Boran, Red Fulani, Tharparker, Ankole-Watusi, Chinese Southern Yellow and Philippine Native.

Zebu have humps, large dewlaps and ears. They have more sweat glands than European cattle (Bos taurus). They handle hot, humid climates well and have pest resistances not seen in European cattle.

Because they were better adapted to hot environments, zebus were imported to Africa for hundreds of years and interbred with native cattle there. Genetic analysis of African cattle has found higher concentrations of zebu genes all along the east coast of Africa, and especially pure cattle on the island of Madagascar, implying that the method of dispersal was cattle transported by ship. Partial resistance to rinderpest led to another increase in the frequency of zebus in Africa.

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El abc de los animales raros :O! Desde el Axolotl hasta el Zebu http://bit.ly/6Lv1FN
alexissaavedra (Alexis Saavedra) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:53:59 -0000
El abc de los animales raros :O! Desde el Axolotl hasta el Zebu http://bit.ly/6Lv1FN
@flavioricardo Zebu morreu, ele se f*deu, cogumelo é meu!
matheusbonela (Matheus Bonela) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:48:30 -0000
@flavioricardo Zebu morreu, ele se f*deu, cogumelo é meu!
FDS em Uberlândia!Daqui a pouco de volta para a capital mundial do Zebu!
tonsalesdiver (Ton Sales) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:26:42 -0000
FDS em Uberlândia!Daqui a pouco de volta para a capital mundial do Zebu!
show tomorrow at Zebu in freehold NJ...also message us we have Break tickets
forourlifetime (FOR OUR LIFETIME) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:41:24 -0000
show tomorrow at Zebu in freehold NJ...also message us we have Break tickets
Zebú morreu, ele se fudeu, cogumelo é meu!
nauvex (Rafael Nauva) Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:04:55 -0000
Zebú morreu, ele se fudeu, cogumelo é meu!
Zebu: Wild war das Liebesleben der alten Griechen http://bit.ly/5iylrB
neuverlieben (Tipps für Singles) Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:22:48 -0000
Zebu: Wild war das Liebesleben der alten Griechen http://bit.ly/5iylrB

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