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, Nellore, Ongole and Brahman.

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 thousands 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

Zebu were imported into Brazil in the early twentieth century and crossbred to Charolais cattle, a European breed. The resulting breed, which consists of 5/8 Charolais and 3/8 Zebu is called the Chanchim. It has a better meat quality than the zebu as well as better heat resistance than European cattle. The zebu breeds used were primarily Indubrazil with some Nelore and Guzera.

Numerous breeds are complex mixtures of the zebu and other Bos taurus varieties, and some also have yak, gaur or banteng genetics. While zebu are the common cattle in much of Asia, Japanese, Korean and Mongolian cattle are closer related to the European type.

Bulls from the Brahman breed of zebu are often used in for bullriding in rodeo.

Popular culture

Zebu were immortalized in the VeggieTales tune "The Song Of The Cebú". At one point in the song, Larry the Cucumber says "..I think that's the bull's cousin. He's a cebú!" This is fairly accurate, as the two species are related (bulls/cows and zebu). There are ancient pictograms which depict animals that bear a striking resemblance to that of the zebu.

A second immortalization of the Zebu occurred in the Simpsons episode "Blood Feud", in which Lisa taught Maggie what a Zebu is, pointing out the humps and dewlaps. Zebu Seebu Bos taurus indicus Zébu זבו Zeboe Zebu Zebu