Question 1

How long do Miniature Zebu live?

Accepted Answer

Miniature Zebu can live until their mid twenties.

Question 2

At what age do Miniature Zebu start to breed?

Accepted Answer

Bulls can start breeding as young as 1 year of age.
 
Heifers normally do not sexually mature as fast as bulls.    Most can be bred at 2 to 2.5 years of age. Some have been known to breed much sooner or to take as long as 3 to 3.5 years of age to be bred.

Question 3

Where can I purchase a halter for my Miniature Zebu?

Accepted Answer

It can be difficult to find halters for Miniature Zebu. Most people use goat, sheep, alpaca, and llama halters.

Some useful links:

1. Jeffers
2. Murdoch's 
3. Big R 
4. Weaver Supply

Question 4

How many years can a cow continue to produce offspring?

Accepted Answer

There have been Miniature Zebu cows that have continued to produce calves into their late teens.

Question 5

What is the Gestation Time for a Miniature Zebu?

Accepted Answer

Miniature Zebu are very simialr to other cattle and pregnancy will be approximately 285 days.  Typically you can add 3 to 5 days gestation for Miniature Zebu.    You can use this gestation calculator if you have an idea of when breeding took place.

GESTATION CALCULATOR

Question 6

Can Miniature Zebu live in cold climates?

Accepted Answer

Yes they can!  They will need a proper shelter out of the wind and rain/snow.
Good bedding is essential as well to keep them off the cold floor when they are in their shelter.
Care should be taken to prevent hypothermia when calves are expected in the winter months.

Question 7

How many acres do I need to keep Miniature Zebu?

Accepted Answer

If you expect to not supplement with hay during grazing months you will need 1 acre per 3 Miniature Zebu with good established grass for grazing.  Depending on your area you may need more or less acreage per head.

Question 8

What kind of dewormer and vaccinations do I need for my Miniature Zebu?

Accepted Answer

We cannot give you veterinary advice. 
 
Miniature Zebu are like other cattle.  So the same dewormers can be used for them.  Dosing is done by weight as it is for other cattle.   It is always best to have a fecal test run by your veterinarian to determine what types of parasites you need to treat for - each dewormer may or may not cover certain types of parasites.
 
Vaccinations should be discussed with your veterinarian.  Some states require certain vaccinations and others do not.  Miniature Zebu have been known to have mild to severe reactions to some vaccinations and your veterinarian should be prepared to handle that situation if it should arise.

Question 9

At what age do you wean a Miniature Zebu Calf?

Accepted Answer

Miniature Zebu are typically weaned no younger then 4 months of age.

Question 10

I had a calf born with the knees bent backward, what do I do to fix this?"

Accepted Answer

Nothing.   The cause of this is unknown but it is something that is seen in Miniature Zebu from time to time.  
 
The more exercise the calf gets the faster the legs will normalize.   There is no need to splint or contain the animal as that can cause more harm than good.

International Miniature Zebu Association

Miniature Zebu FAQ's