The zebu (; Bos indicus or Bos taurus indicus), sometimes known in the plural as indicine cattle or humped cattle, is a species or subspecies of domestic cattle originating in the Indian sub-continent. Zebu are characterised by a fatty hump on their shoulders, a large dewlap, and sometimes drooping ears. They are well adapted to withstanding high temperatures, and are farmed throughout the tropical countries, both as pure zebu and as hybrids with taurine cattle, the other main type of domestic cattle. Zebu are used as draught and riding animals, dairy cattle, and beef cattle, as well as for byproducts such as hides and dung for fuel and manure. Some small breeds such as the miniature zebu are also kept as pets. In 1999, researchers at Texas A&M University successfully cloned a zebu. In some regions, such as parts of India, cattle, especially zebu, have significant religious meaning. Taxonomy and name The scientific name Bos indicus was introduced by Carl Linnaeus in
El zebu (; Bos indicus o Bos taurus indicus), a veces conocido en el plural como ganado indígena o ganado humped, es una especie o subespecies de ganado doméstico originario del subcontinente indio. Zebu se caracterizan por un pico graso en sus hombros, un gran dewlap, y a veces orejas caídas. Se adaptan bien a soportar altas temperaturas, y se cultivan en los países tropicales, tanto como zebu puro y como híbridos con ganado taurino, el otro tipo principal de ganado doméstico. Zebu se utilizan como animales tirados y montados, ganado de leche, y ganado bovino, así como para productos tales como cachos y para combustible y maní. Algunas razas pequeñas como el zebu miniatura también se mantienen como mascotas. En 1999, los investigadores del nombre de la Universidad de Texas A&M introdujeron con éxito un zebu.