The zebu is one of the smallest species of cattle reaching just over a meter tall and weighing about half of a regular cow. They typically weigh between 300-400 pounds. After a gestation period of 295 days birth is given to one baby called a calf. The calf is up and nursing within hours of being born. The lifespan of a zebu is about the same lifespan of any cattle with an average of 12 years.

Zebu cattle are thought to be derived from the Asian subspecies of aurochs Bos primigenius namadicus. European cattle. Zebus were imported to Africa for hundreds of years and interbred with taurine cattle there. Genetic analysis of African cattle has found higher concentrations of zebu genes all along the east coast of Africa, and especially pure cattle on the island of Madagascar.

Zebus are herbivores grazing mainly on grasses, flowers, and seeds. Zebus like other cattle travel in herds with many members of the herd being related. Herds are mostly female with one or two bulls. They spend most of their time grazing. Most zebus found today are on farms or used by humans to help pull carts. They are considered sacred in India.