Miniature zebus have been a welcome addition to my small livestock operation since 2006. I am located in central Texas near Lampasas. Like many landowners I was looking for hardy, productive, smaller cattle for grazing my native grass pastures. Fortunately, I stumbled on miniature zebus with a friend who was also looking for smaller cattle. I started my herd with the purchase of three females and a bull. At the present time I have a total of about 40 head.
One of my primary motivations in buying cows was to maintain the agricultural-use valuation for ad valorem taxes. In my situation, the difference in ag-use and market valuations saved me about $150 per acre per year. The reason I wanted smaller cows than the ones I had run previously was because I knew it would be safer caring for them. I usually tend my cows by myself and they are in a remote location. My mature miniature zebu cows weigh about 1/3 to 1/2 what my previous cows weighed. My cows are not pets (well, some of them are), but they are gentle. I can generally pen them with feed and work them by myself. Since they have proven to be very hardy, I only pen them occasionally to sell offspring and vet the herd (once a year).
My herd runs on about 500 acres of rangeland in good condition. The cows have proven fully capable of taking care of themselves. To date, I have had no calving difficulties in the herd. The cows are good mothers. With adequate nutrition they calve annually. With the drought we have experienced since 2011, I have fed more protein than previously to help my cows maintain good body condition. I vet the herd once a year. Calves are vaccinated and dehorned, cows are wormed and some bulls are castrated. Flies and lice are generally not a problem. Some of my fences are weak, but I have not had trouble keeping my herd where I put them.
I have not selected cows based on small size only. I have selected females based on overall conformation and disposition. I want smaller cows that look like the desirable, large bodied cows I have had in the past. I want straight backs (I don't want them to look like buffaloes). I want my cows to carry themselves well. I want almond shaped eyes that are distinctive to the breed. Color is nice, but has not been a high priority in my selection process. I do not want aggressiveness.
I have fed out two zebu steers and one zebu/lowline angus cross steer for personal consumption. The beef quality is excellent. I find the smaller size of the different cuts very desirable.
A number of animals from my herd have done well in competition. The following are some of the major awards: 2011 State Fair of Texas Grand Champion Senior Bull, 2011 State Fair of Texas Reserve Grand Champion Heifer, 2011 State Fair of Louisiana Grand Champion Heifer, 2012 Houston Livestock Show Grand Champion Junior Bull.
If you are considering a purchase of miniature zebus, I hope this information will be of assistance to you. I invite you to look at the photos of some of the zebus I have had or currently have to better acquaint you with my herd. Then, take a look at the animals I am currently offering for sale. I would be pleased to hear from you. Please let me know what your needs and questions are, I will be more than happy to help.
