A zebu is a type of domestic cattle originally from South Asia, recognizable by the large hump of fat and muscle on its shoulders. If you've seen pictures of cattle in India or parts of Africa, you've probably noticed this distinctive hump, which looks like the animal is carrying a backpack.

Zebu are remarkably well-adapted to hot climates. Their bodies handle heat and humidity better than European cattle breeds, and they can survive on less water and lower-quality food. This makes them invaluable in tropical regions where other cattle would struggle. The hump itself stores nutrients, helping the animal survive during dry seasons when food becomes scarce.

These cattle have been domesticated for thousands of years. Farmers use them for pulling plows and carts, for their milk, and for their meat. In many parts of India, zebu are considered sacred and are treated with special respect.

Today, zebu genetics have been bred into many modern cattle breeds to give them better heat tolerance, showing how these humped cattle continue to influence agriculture worldwide.