Zebu cattle are the primary livestock of many African and South Asian herding communities, with welfare shaped by traditional practices and climate pressures.
Zebu cattle in traditional pastoral systems generally have better welfare than intensively farmed European breeds in hot climates, as their physiology is adapted for these environments. However, welfare challenges remain: drought-related starvation causes prolonged suffering. Traditional identification practices including fire branding cause acute pain. Veterinary care is limited in remote pastoral areas. The cultural importance of cattle means welfare concerns must be addressed within community frameworks rather than imposed externally.