Category Archives: General

Zebu cattle have had a significant influence on modern cattle breeds

Zebu cattle, also known as humped cattle or indicine cattle, are a type of domesticated bovine native to South Asia that are adapted to hot, arid climates. They are characterised by a prominent hump on their shoulders, long ears, and a large dewlap, and are known for their ability to tolerate heat and resist diseases prevalent in tropical regions. Zebu cattle were introduced to other parts of the world, including Africa and South America, where they were crossed with local cattle breeds to create new strains that were more heat tolerant and disease resistant. Today, Zebu cattle make up a significant portion of the world’s cattle population and are used for a variety of purposes, including meat, milk, and draught power. They are also valued for their cultural and historical significance.

Characteristics of the Dairy Gir Leiteiro Cow

The head must have an ultra-convex profile, be medium, thin and dry, with a broad forehead and a skewer thrown back, without nimbure; straight, narrow and delicate bevel; muzzle black and broad, moist, with flared nostrils; thick, firm lips, large mouth and elliptical-shaped eyes, bright and darkly pigmented, protected by upper eyelid wrinkles and black eyelashes. Ears of medium length should be pendant, starting in the form of a tube wrapped around itself, then opening outwards, curving inwards at the tip and facing the face (“hawk”). The horns should be dark, symmetrical, thick at the base, protruding downwards and backwards, elliptical in section leading upwards and curving inwards, ideally.