Characteristics of Types and Breeds of Cattle in the Tropics

Abstract

The origin and general characteristics of the principal types of cattle currently inhabiting the various tropical areas of the world are considered. The major groups included were the humped Zebu (Bos indicus), non-humped European (Bos taurus), intermediate crosses of these two types, and the close relatives of cattle, the Banteng and Water Buffalo.

The Zebu and European types of cattle both are thought to have been domesticated in western Asia. The Zebu spread across southern Asia, immigrating later to the African continent where they migrated slowly southward. Beginning about the middle of the 19th century, Zebu cattle principally from India were transported to the Americas, Australia and various tropical islands.

The European types spread over central Asia and Europe and also migrated to Africa where they mixed with the Zebu types. European cattle from the Iberian peninsula were introduced by the Spaniards into the Caribbean Islands, and onto the American continents in the early 1500s. They spread over all of South America, Central America and the western part of the United States. These cattle later became known as the Criollo cattle of South and Central America. They merged with European cattle introduced onto the North American Continent by the English colonists to give rise to the Texas Longhorn.

In the latter half of the 19th century, Criollo cattle were toperossed with Zebu bulls. At present, the majority of the cattle of the tropics are of Zebu or Zebu-European breeding. For the most part, they are of poor to fair productivity for either milk or meat. These cattle are used widely also for work and as prestige or ceremonial animals. Water Buffalo are used for work, meat and milk in many areas. Banteng cattle are utilized for meat in southeastern Asia and Indonesia.