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Australian Milking Zebu

Australian Milking Zebu

The Australian Milking Zebu (AMZ) is a composite breed of dairy cattle, developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia during the mid-1950s. To develop the breed, the CSIRO bred Sahiwal and Red Sindhi cattle from Pakistan with Jersey cattle. Some Illawarra, Guernsey and Friesian genetics were also included. The development of the breed was governed by strict selection for heat tolerance, milk production and cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) resistance to result in the modern AMZ breed. AMZ cattle have the color, markings and general shape of Jersey cattle, but also show their Sahiwal and Red Sindhi ancestry with their loose skin. Cows produce approximately 2,700 kg of milk per lactation.

Life Span 18-22 years
Weight 450-900 kg

What to Know Before Buying an Australian Milking Zebu

Finding a responsible Australian Milking Zebu breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells cattles commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.

Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Australian Milking Zebu. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.

Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Australian Milking Zebus appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.

Looking for an Australian Milking Zebu breeder?

Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.

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