How are the ears of the Zebu cattle typically described?
Answer
Pendulous and often described as long
A characteristic feature differentiating Zebu cattle from many breeds of *Bos taurus* relates to their ears. The ears of the Zebu are consistently described as being pendulous, which means they droop downward, and they are typically characterized as being long. This contrasts significantly with the ears found on many European cattle varieties, which tend to be smaller and more upright in structure. This pendulous nature contributes to the overall conformation aimed at heat management, although the primary cooling mechanism is attributed to the extensive surface area of the dewlap and loose skin.
Related Questions
What primary tissue composes the Zebu's distinctive hump structure?What is the scientific classification for Zebu cattle?What is the main survival function of the Zebu's large, pendulous dewlap?Which physical trait is explicitly linked to shedding excess metabolic heat in Zebu?What characteristic regarding horns is possible within Zebu populations?Which small varieties are recognized within the *Bos indicus* size spectrum?What protective function does the dark pigmentation often found beneath the Zebu coat serve?How does the general build of Zebu compare structurally to *Bos taurus*?In F1 crosses involving Zebu, what physical marker signals adequate inherited tropical hardiness?How are the ears of the Zebu cattle typically described?