Humped cattle

Humped cattle is a domestic cattle developed from Bos indicus and characterized by a hump of fat and muscle above the shoulders: Brahman cattle: domestic zebus

All Bos indicus cattle including the Brahman are characterized by a large hump over the top of the shoulder and neck. The Brahman is characterized by a pronounced hump over the shoulder and neck, horns that usually curve up and back, and drooping ears.

Brahmans vary in color from very light grey or red to almost black. A majority of the breed are light to medium grey. The Brahman's hump has evolved over time to help the animal survive in hot, arid conditions. It is made up of tissue that stores water.

The hump is a deposit of fat. Farmers and ranchers in the southeastern US and the Gulf States like to raise Brahman cattle because they can stand the heat, and insects don’t bother them much.
Humped cattle

Bos taurus breeds

Domesticated cattle are usually classified into two major groups, zebu (Bos indicus) and European (Bos taurus) cattle. Because these two types readily interbreed, some authorities now classify them as Bos taurus, subspecies taurus, and Bos taurus, subspecies indicus, or simply call them taurine and indicine.

Cattle are even-toed ungulates or hoofed mammals, of the species Bos taurus of the family Bovidae, or bovids. Through history, they have had a tremendous effect on human culture, economy, and religion. Bos taurus (or Bos taurus taurus) are the typical cattle of Europe, north-eastern Asia, and parts of Africa.

Breeds such as Angus, Hereford and Charolais are some of the better-known varieties, all of which are adapted to cooler climates and in Australia, typically inhabit southern regions. They have thicker coats to weather cooler winters and do not have the notable 'hump' of their Bos Indicus relatives.

An adult female over two years of age (approximately) is called a cow. An adult, intact (not castrated) male is called a bull. Young cattle are called calves. A young male is called a bull calf; a young female before she has calved the second time is called a heifer.

A gregarious animal, B. taurus occurs in herds of with an average size of 24-52 individuals. In wild settings, herding behavior provided such benefits as increased safety from predators and chances for mating, however in modern herds it is primarily a function of a domestication and human manipulation.

Herds are generally comprised of females and juveniles, with adult males being separated and used primarily for stud purposes.

Breeds of Bos taurus are by far the principal commercial milk-producing animals; the term milk, when unqualified, usually refers to bovine milk,
Bos taurus breeds

Bos indicus breeds

Domestic cattle belong to the genus Bos of the order Artiodactyla, suborder Ruminantia, family Bovidae, subfamily Bovinae, tribe Bovini.

Cattle have been divided into two basic classifications, Bos taurus (non-humped) or Bos indicus (humped, also called Zebu).

Bos indicus is a subspecies of cattle of south Asian origin. They are believed to have originated in the Neolithic from the aurochs or wild ox (Bos primigenius). Often known as Zebu, they have prominent humps forward of the shoulder. The Brahman breed is one example in the United States.

Tropical breed cattle or Bos indicus are genetically adapted to tropical environments, excelling in their ability to survive and produce under adverse conditions including heat and poor-quality pastures. Since have special adaptations to tropical environments that may be conveniently used for dairy production.

Bos indicus breeds include:
 Brahman
 Beefmaster
 Brangus
 Santa Gertrudis

Bos indicus is characterized by a pronounced hump, which is present in both sexes but more pronounced in the males; long, wide ears; a large dewlap; and an abdominal skinfold, including a large sheath in males.

Bos indicus tend to have relatively low marbling. Because marbling tends to increase with overall body fatness, comparing types or breeds usually involves a tradeoff between Yield Grade and Quality Grade.
Bos indicus breeds