the zebu is Bos indicus, the fiercely horned humped cattle of Asian origin, which are the principal form of wealth for many Malagasy tribes. They are heat tolerant and resistant to insect attack. When well fed the hump enlarges and the dewlap continues as folds under the belly. Zebu interbreed freely with European cattle, but fady inhibits efforts to improve milk production. Humpless cattle are scorned by Malagasies.
Annual burning of grassland and forest edges, to extend, and eliminate perennial growth on, zebu pasturage, is a principal reason for destruction of lemur habitat. The cleared land is all too often eroded by lavakas, forcing yet more forest clearance.
3 races of zebu are found in Madagascar. The commonest, known as omby malagasy, is the mainstay of the Antandroy, Bara, Mahafely, and Sakalava tribes. It produces only 2.5-3 kg milk/day, but can survive a 1000-km drive to market in Tana.
The omby rana carries genes from Breton cows introduced by the French, and produces 5-6 kg milk/day. F1 crosses with European dairy cows produce 12 kg/day.
The renitelo is half Limousin, 1/4 African zebu, and 1/4 Malagasy zebu, producing 600-900 kg milk per lactation.

Alternative forms for zebu : omby, renitelo.