Zebu Husbandry
This page is dedicated to providing information regarding the care and feeding of Miniature Zebu Cattle.  The information is provided by members and is based on their experiences with the breed.  Remember that what works in one situation may not work in another.  The International Miniature Zebu Association and its officers and Members take no responsibility for any reliance on information provided by authors on this page.  If you have an idea or system that works for you, share it with the readers of this site.  You may contact the Secretary/Treasurer of the IMZA to have your information posted here.
Do you have special methods you use in caring for your little cattle? 
If so, send us photos and we will share them with our members.
A new Zebu is born on Rick Bogles farm in Florida
A new Zebu is born on Steve Herndons farm in Kentucky
Jazzy with her new baby
bull calf
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Results of the Florida Miniature Zebu Association Zebu Steer Project
The Florida Miniature Zebu Association (FMZA) recently conducted a nutritional Zebu steer project.  The steers, donated by the JW Fewox family of Frostproof, FL, were approximately 4 years old.  These animals had been strictly grass fed until Aug 25, 2007, when they were moved to Ann Harpers farm in Lady Lake, FL.  There for seven (7) weeks they were fed grass and grain and on Oct 18 they were taken to be slaughtered.  The hanging weights were 258 and 192 pounds.  Test samples of the Zebu meat were taken to ABC Research Corporation in Gainesville, FL for Nutritional testing.

Here are the results of those test compared to select and choice beef:

Analysis:
ZebuSelect BeefChoice Beef
Calories/100g165.19201219
Fat  9.27% 8.09%10.15%
Ironmg/100g  2.72    2.992.99
Cholesterol     mg/100g  57.386   86
A new Zebu is born at Lorin Lipperts Ranch in South Dakota
A new Zebu is born on Ann & Larry Harpers farm in Florida
Rosebud with her first calf
Larry Harper had to assist the birth by pulling the calf
IMZA   P.O. Box 66, Crawford, NE 69339   Phone: 308-665-3919   Fax: 308-665-1931
Recently IMZA was contacted by a family from Sweden, their Miniature Zebu Heifer had delivered them a new Bull calf, but would have nothing to do with it.  They chose to bottle feed it and needed help.  Below are our recommendations.
#1.  The calf needs to receive the cows first milk (colostrum) or a colostrum milk replacer which comes in very small bags.  The calf needs the colostrum as quickly as possible after birth.  Use the colostrum replacer for 3 days, 4 times a day.
#2.  Use a small nipple such as for a human baby or goat nipples from your farm supply store.  Days 1-3, feed 4 ounces of a colostrum replacer, 4 times a day. 
#3.  On Day 4, start feeding the calf room temperature whole milk.  Fresh milk can be obtained from your local dairy or store bought whole milk can be used.  I recommend the whole milk over a powdered milk replacer.  Days 4-6, feed 8 ounces, 4 times a day.  On the 7th day start feeding 12 ounces, 4 times a day and adjust as needed as he grows.
#3.  Offer water after 3 days of age.
#4.  Offer feed such as rolled calf feed, calf starter, calf manna, etc. after about 10 days of age.
#5.  Nutritional Supplements are available from your farm supply store if you feel they are needed.
#6.  Caution, if the calf gets to much milk, it could get the scours, if so he will need electrolytes, energy, etc., do not endanger the life of your calf, contact you vet or farm supply store for help.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR NEW BABY.
Some Tips about Bottle Feeding your Zebu New Born
Photo's of the proper way to measure your Miniature Zebu.
Larry and Judy Rohner's 32" tall Red Heifer at 26 months old.
Rick Bogle's 30 1/2" tall Bull at 28 months old.
Larry and Judy Rohner's 27 3/4" tall Bull at 19 months old.
Steve DeMoor's 26" tall Cow at 36 months old.
International Miniature Zebu Association