Miniature Zebus Gaining Popularity

Miniature Zebus Gaining Popularity LIVESTOCK Beef Miniature zebus are gaining ground by replacing goats in many situations according to David Millison president of American Miniature Zebu Association AMZA The pint-sized cattle with big humps are perfect for small farms “Zebu meat is lean and when you process a full-grown steer you don’t end up with a freezer full of meat that will go bad before you can eat it all ” says Millison “The zebu is both a grazer like sheep and a browser like goats They help keep brush down like goats do We are seeing a lot of people who have been raising goats transitioning to zebus ” Like goats zebu milk is okay for those who are lactose intolerant “Also like goats miniature zebus are easier to manage than full-size cattle ” says Millison “They require less barn space and are easier to fence for as well as trailer ” Miniature zebus weigh between 300 and 600 lbs depending on height The smaller the female the slower she is to mature and breed with most being around 2 years old before breeding Height should not exceed 42 in when measured at the hip While zebus come in all colors a wash or second color over a base coat often is preferred “Heifers start at $1 500 to $2 000 and go up from there ” says Millison “Bulls can be very cheap or very expensive with some that perhaps shouldn’t be in the gene pool selling for as little as $500 Bulls with good pedigree color conformation and characteristics start at $2 500 and go up from there ” Millison suggests the meat sells at a premium with ground beef going for $6 to $8 per lb and steak considerably higher He notes it is especially popular with Hispanic Asian and Middle Eastern markets “The hump is considered a delicacy ” he says “It has muscle but it is also a storehouse for fat so it has a lot of marbling ” Zebu cattle are thought to be one of the earliest domesticated cattle breeds possibly as old as 6 000 years Commonly found in Africa Asia and India they have more heat tolerance and insect resistance than European breeds However Millison says the animals do well in northern countries as well “There are a number of breeders in Canada and other high snow areas ” he says “They’re very slick-haired cattle and do need to be able to get in out of the weather ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup American Miniature Zebu Association P O Box 363 Ferris Texas 75125 ph 972 544-3334; david@amzaonline org; www amzaonline org

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