But many ranches are now cross-breeding the zebu with Aberdeen Angus and other European stock.

ECONOMIST: Brazil

The resulting calves go to market in two years, twice as quickly as zebu.

ECONOMIST: Brazil

Some 90% of this is still of the traditional, hump-backed zebu breed, which is adapted to tropical climates but grows slowly.

ECONOMIST: Brazil

Here lemurs and other wildlife showed no fear of the local Tandroy tribesmen who lived a traditional life with the zebu cattle that form the basis of their wealth.

ECONOMIST: Madagascar's natural history: Tales in a twist | The