ZEBU, INDIAN Os, or BRAHMAN ON:, a kind of ox, very nearly allied to the common, nx, of which naturalists generally regard it as a mere variety, although some think it a distinct species (bos Adieus). The most conspicuous distinctive character is a largdfatly hump on the back, above the shoulders. The legs are also rather more slender and deli cate than in the European ox. The hump attains a very great size in animals plentifully supplied with food, and not compelled to work; in those which are ill fed or worked, it is comparatively small. It is alleged that intermixture takes place freely with the common ox, and that there is no difference of anatomical structure, but these statements require verification. Mr. Vasoy found the number of caudal vertebrae in the Zebu to be only 18, while in the common ox it is 21. The period of gestation in the Zebu is also said to be 300 days, while in the common ox it is 270. The Zebu is diffused over India, China, the Asiatic islands, Madagascar, and the e. coast of Africa. There are many breeds, differing very much in size; the largest being larger than oxen of Europe, while the smallest are not much larger than a large mastiff. The 111 of the
largest breeds is said to be sometimes 50 lbs. in weight. English residents iu India esteem the hump as delicious for the table. There are hornless breeds; but most of the breeds have short horns. There is a breed with two fatty bumps, one placed imme diately behind the other, which is common in the vicinity of Surat. The voice of the Zebu resembles the grunting of the yak, almost as nearly as the lowing of the ox. The Zebu is used in India both as a beast of draught and of burden. It is yoked in the plow. It is occasionally used for riding. It can travel from 20 • to 30 tn. a day. It is very gentle and docile.
Braliminy or sacred bulls of the Hindus, consecrated to Siva, are all of this kind of ox. They are caressed and pampered by the people, and to feed them is deemed a meritorious act of religion. The Braliminy hull may go where he pleases; it is not law ful to beat him, even if he be eating a valuable crop, or if lie enter a shop and devour the articles exposed for sale. He soon learns to despise shouting, which is the ordinary expedient to drive him away, and makes himself at home everywhere.