Thursday 30 April 2015

Zebus (Bos Primigenius Indictus)

Zebus are believed to be the oldest domesticated breed of cattle in the world. They have a characteristic hump over their shoulders and from their throat hangs a large fold of skin called a dewlap, and have ears that are long and hanging. They are believed to have originated from the wild ox of Borneo and Java and become domesticated in South Asia.

While most zebus are grey, there are also brown, red, white, and black breeds. They are one of the smallest breeds of cattle in the world with adults standing at just over 1 metre in height.
 There are some Hindu sects who regard the white zebu as sacred and they are associated with the god Siva who used the animal as a mount, or to pull his chariot. From of this they were named Nandi and their images are placed facing the entrance to the shrine in Siva temples. Their images were found on seals of the Indus Valley civilization dating from 2700 to 1500 BCE.  Read more

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