Zebu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zebu |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Subfamily: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
B. t. indicus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Bos taurus indicus Linnaeus, 1758
|
|
The Zebu (scientific name: Bos taurus indicus) is a special type of domesticated cattle. These amazing animals are often found in warm places like India, East Africa, and China. They are well-known for their unique look and their ability to live in tough environments.
What Makes Zebu Special?
Zebu cattle have a few features that make them stand out. They have a noticeable hump on their shoulders. They also have a large flap of skin hanging under their neck, called a dewlap. Their ears are often long and droopy.
These animals are super tough! They are built to handle hot weather, strong sunlight, and high humidity. They can also resist many diseases that affect other types of cattle. This makes them very useful in tropical regions.
Zebu Reproduction
Zebu cows can start having calves when they are about 44 months old. However, having babies too early can be hard on their bodies. It might even make their lives shorter.
A Zebu cow usually carries her calf for about 285 days. This is almost 9 and a half months! The exact time can change a little. It depends on how old and healthy the mother is. Interestingly, male calves are often carried for a slightly shorter time than female calves.
Images for kids
-
The zebu picture engraved on a coin used in India around 20-1 B.C.
-
Hariana breed of Zebu cattle in north India
-
Zebu market in Madagascar
-
Draft zebu pulling a cart in Mumbai, India
-
An early representation of a zebu, on the Rampurva capital of the Pillars of Ashoka, third century BC
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Bos primigenius indicus para niños
