India and the regional subcontinent have long been considered the ancestral breeding grounds for the Zebu (Bos indices) that were so easily described as cattle having humps. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, there were clearly defined to be at least 28 different breeds or types of Zebu cattle in India and Pakistan. In North America this group of cattle has become known as Brahman cattle, the six generally recognized North American types coming from an amalgamation of various original breed importations.

There also exists a diminutive breed called Miniature Zebu. While at first glance the miniature zebu appear to look like their larger counterparts, they differ in that the miniature zebu are also called Nadudana cattle, from the Hindi word for "small cattle".

The miniature zebu is normal in all other proportions to regular humped cable except that they should not exceed 42 inches in height behind the hump. Many breeders report that their herds average height is as short as 36 inches. There appears to be a significant number of alleged miniature zebu that are over 42 inches in height which probably have come into existence from indiscriminate breeding with larger zebu and even other cattle varieties. These crossings may also have given rise to the varieties seen in horn shape. Horn shape and body coloration in miniature zebu is variable, although most are white to dark gray with bulls being darker to nearly black. It should also be noted that while most calves are generally born appearing white to gray, many with a distinctive reddish hue on the foreheads and onto the neck, calves also are born that are solid brown and some with irregular white spottings. By reaching one year of age, the calves all turn to their adult gray type color, although the spots are retained.

There are other characteristics that differentiate zebu cattle (whether miniature or full sized) from the typical non-humped cattle breeds. Zebu cattle have in general much looser and tougher skin; fine, short and glossy hair; full functional sweat glands; and panniculus muscles (used in twitching) which are well developed and functional over the entire body. These are some of the more subtle differences that have given rise to the legend of the hardiness of these truly unique humped breeds, coupled with other natural resistances to disease such as pink-eye.

In April 1991, the International Miniature Zebu Association was incorporated to establish a formal registry for the preservation of this rare and unusual breed. There are currently believed to be only about 500 in all of North America. Miniature zebu are of interest to many owners of small farms since the breed can be utilized for meat production on small tracts of land, is hardy to disease and insects, and generally thrives on meager pasture. In recent years there has been an increase in interest in this small breed for application in Asian and Central South American developing countries where it can also be used as a draft animal during the day and potentially milked as well. Some breeders have authenticated records of heifers producing their fist calf when only 26 months old. Small size and the natural hardiness of their ancestors creates an all new era of opportunity of investigative application and even more hybridization.