Zebus (Bos primigenius indicus), sometimes known as 'humped cattle' or 'indicus' cattle, are a type of cattle better-adapted to tropical environments than the other domestic cattle, the Bos primigenius taurus or 'taurine' types[citation needed]. The scientific name of zebu cattle was originally Bos indicus, but this name is now deemed invalid by ITIS, who classify the zebu under Bos primigenius along with all other domestic cattle and their extinct aurochs ancestors. Zebu cattle are thought to be derived from the Asian subspecies of aurochs Bos primigenius namadicus.

Another wild cattle species, the gaur (Bos gaurus) may also have contributed to their development.[citation needed] Probably the first species to vanish from the Indian wilderness, the wild zebu disappeared during the time of the Indus Valley Civilization from its range in the Indus basin and other spots of Pakistan, possibly due to inter-breeding with domestic cattle and resultant fragmentation of wild populations due to loss of habitat. There are some 75 known breeds of zebu, split about evenly between African breeds and South Asian ones. The major Zebu cattle breeds of the world include Gir, Guzerat, Kankrej, Indo-Brazilian, Brahman, Nelore, Ongole, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Butana, Kenana, Boran, Baggara, Tharparker, Kangayam, Chinese Southern Yellow and Philippine Native.

The Sanga cattle breeds originated from hybridization of Zebu with indigenous humpless cattle in Africa; they include the Afrikaner, Red Fulani, Ankole-Watusi, and many other breeds of central and southern Africa. Sanga cattle can be distinguished from pure Zebu by having smaller humps located farther forward on the animals. Zebu have humps on the shoulders, large dewlaps and droopy ears.

They have more sweat glands than taurine cattle, and have pest resistances not seen in European cattle.[citation needed]

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