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Short on stature, mini cows draw big crowd
By Krista Goerte
Published September 30, 2009
“Honey, I shrunk the cow.” While not an entirely accurate statement, when viewing a Zebu for the first time, that’s exactly what comes to mind. Observers at the Red River Valley Fair early this week may have come upon the Zebu — a type of domestic cattle originating in south Asia. While these cattle come in a variety of body styles, color and markings, to be in the American Miniature Zebu Association, they all have one thing in common — they are under 42 inches tall. In fact, the most distinguishing characteristic of the breed besides its size is the hump of fat, gristle and muscle on its back, similar to what is seen on a Brahman cow. The AMZA held a Zebu show at the fair this weekend, and breeders from several states brought about 50 total Zebus to Paris. Jerome Hammons and his wife, Elaine, from Many, La., have traveled all over the United States showing the animals after acquiring their first Zebu several years ago. “A lot of people don’t know what they are,” said Jerome Hammons from Many, La. “‘A Zebu? What’s that?’ they ask.” The couple, having kept miniature horses for a hobby, came across Zebus while shopping for another miniature horse. The Hammons bought a male Zebu on the spot and promptly started looking for a female. Their herd has now grown to 34 of the small, sturdy animals. “They are pets more than anything,” Hammons said. “They are just cute little things. At birth, they weigh eight to 10 pounds — they’ll fit right on your lap.” While a hobby for many people — Hammons said in the United States they are most commonly found in Texas, Florida and Louisiana — they are also used just like full-sized cattle. Hammons explained that functionally, the animals are used for pulling power, dairy cattle and beef cattle. In other countries, especially, the Zebu is used for its functionality. In the show ring, the animals are shown in their natural state, Hammons said. The only concession to a show ring-type atmosphere is that the animals may be brushed so they are clean, but none of the traditional show grooming for full-size cattle is used. Just like their full-size cousins, they are evaluated on their confirmation and breed characteristic. For the Hammons, traveling to Zebu shows is a regular activity. Their show season started in Tampa, Fla., and shows along their route include Ocala, Fla., Pueblo, Co., and Houston, Lancaster, the State Fair of Texas and now Paris. The couple said they have a specially made trailer for the cattle, making for comfy rides to shows. “They are just like family,” he said. “The cows live better than we do.” Zebus may be seen through today only at the Red River Valley Fair, which continues its five-day run through Saturday.
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