What are Miniature Zebu?
With a heritage dating back to 3,000 B.C., Miniature Zebu are both the oldest and smallest breed of cattle in the world. Miniature Zebu are originally from Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of Southern India. They are also known as Nadudana, a Hindi word meaning “small cow” and are considered to be a holy animal in India. They are unique in that they are not a miniature of a larger breed, but a true breed of their own that is very small. In fact, they are the only naturally miniature breed of cattle. Miniature Zebu have the ability to thrive in hot and humid climates, are disease and parasite resistant, and adapt very well to the warm weather of Northern Arizona where Buffalo Acres is located. Their small size, typically 36 to 38 inches at the withers at maturity, is thought to be one of the reasons they do so well in warm climates. They are known for their distinctive hump on the upper back, located right behind their head and neck.
Mature Miniature Zebu cows typically weigh 300-500 pounds and mature bulls weigh 400-600 pounds. Miniature Zebus are known for their long lifespans and ability to produce calves well into their twenties. They are used for meat, milking, agricultural labor (draft animal), and of course, they make amazing pets! Miniature Zebu are valued for their gentle nature, ease of handling, and relatively low maintenance making them suitable for families and small homesteads. Miniature Zebu consume about 1/3 the amount of feed when compared to regular cattle but typically produce a little over half the amount of beef; making them a more efficient and affordable option. Miniature Zebu meat is also generally leaner than other beef breeds, appealing to those looking for a healthier option. The hump, known as “tozo,” is considered a prime cut and is prized for its marbling and flavor.
While an average family may be overwhelmed with the 6 to 8 gallons of milk per day that a standard milk cow produces, the 1 gallon per day that a Miniature Zebu gives is just about right. Their milk is known for its high butterfat content (up to 5%) and smaller fat globules, making it potentially more digestible than milk from other breeds. Miniature Zebu milk is also considered to have medicinal properties and there has been some research claiming that the milk helps lower the risk of many chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, autism, allergies, schizophrenia, SIDS, and cardiac disease. The Miniature Zebu breed carries the A2 beta casein gene variant which has been linked to a lower incidence in these as well.
Although gaining in popularity among homesteaders and small farms, the total number of Miniature Zebus is relatively low, making them vulnerable to extinction. Miniature Zebus are considered a rare and critically endangered breed and are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating a high risk of extinction in the wild, according to the organization.
Our Sire, Happy
“Bully”, as he is affectionally known, is the leader of our herd. His official registered name is “Happy” and that suits him well. He may look intimidating but he is actually a big, lovable, beast. He loves taking treats right out of your hand and likes a gentle scratch on the nose or under his chin. Bully is 37″ tall when measured directly behind his hump. He was born on February 24, 2006 which makes him 18 years old! Miniature Zebus are known for their long lifespans and disease resistance. Bully may be our resident senior citizen, but he still likes the ladies and has given us one heifer and two beautiful bull calves this past year. Our plan is for Bully to live out his remaining years right here on the farm!
Callie
Calle seems to be the favorite cow around here… very loving and gentle. She also likes her chin scratched and her cheeks rubbed. She can be rather playful at times too. Calle was born on April 03 of 2019 and is Bully’s favorite girl. She’s also the mother of our two bull calves that were born this year! If we’re a little late at feeding time she lets out a loud moo that sounds just like she’s saying “HUNNNN-GREEE”. When we hear that we know we better up the pace a little.
Ruby and Rose
Ruby and Rose look like twins but their actually not related although they’ve been together for years! Rose’s registered name is “Little Miss Megan”. She was born in 2009. Ruby was born in 2017. Both girls are the smallest of our herd; standing at just 28 inches. We actually have goats that are bigger. Their red coloring is beautiful. They’re a little shy and don’t like to be petted very often, but they will take treats and give the occasional lick to say “Thanks”.
Sophia and Dorothy
These two girls are definitely ladies. While the other animals are butting heads to get to the hay, Sophia and Dorothy will stand back patiently waiting for their turn to eat. Sophia was born in 2018 and Dorothy was born in 2015. Unfortunately, their previous owner had lost interest in them and they were kept in a very small pin all day with several other cows. When they came to us their hoofs that were so over-grown they curled up over their feet and Dorothy’s horn was growing into the side of her head! Let’s just say they weren’t well cared for. Life is much better now and although they are still not as friendly as we would like them to be, they are beautiful creatures and are very much loved. They do let us pet their nose from time to time and will return the favor with a big, wet lick!
Ferdinand
Here’s Bully’s boy and our future herd sire, “Ferdi”. He sure looks like his daddy! He was born on May 11, 2024 so he’s just over a year old. He is the lovingness cow I have ever known. He likes to come up and get his morning love by snuggling up to your face and giving big kisses. His horns are coming in strong and straight and he has that distinct hump on his back that’s really beginning to form. His best friend is Dawn Kee (one of our miniature donkeys, heehee). I’m not sure what her hourly rate is, but Dawn has been his babysitter since day one. She’s quite the protector! And he will be an amazing bull for our farm.
Flapjack
Meet Flapjack – Bully’s newest baby boy! He was born on July 14, 2025 and he is already an awesome little guy. Just look at that color! A red miniature Zebu bull is a true rarity. Miniature Zebus, particularly certain color variations like red, are considered rare and are in high demand in the exotic and miniature cattle market. Red and white coloration, in particular, is harder to achieve through breeding than black and white. It’s so fun to watch him run and play. I have to say that on a scale from 1 to 10, he is a 15 at least! Welcome to the world, and to Buffalo Acres, Flapjack…
Fancy Pants
Fancy is the tallest of our cattle and, at 52″, is too tall to be registered as a Miniature Zebu. He was born in March of 2023 and will still grow for about another year, although not much. We expect him to top out at around 54″. He came to the farm about a year ago and was fairly friendly – but along with his growth spurt, he has become more “bullish” in attitude and behavior. He still likes treats and a head rub here and there but we don’t turn our backs on him. His black and white coat is really amazing and he has brown legs which make him look like he’s wearing “fancy pants”! Although we do love him and are giving him the best life possible, we look forward to “Fancy” burgers, “Fancy” tacos, and “Fancy” steaks one of these days. Sorry folks, it’s part of farm life!
Our miniature Zebu cattle are registered with the International Miniature Zebu Association, IMZA.
