South African dwarf bull to challenge Indian cow

A dwarf bull in South Africa will challenge the Indian world record holder to become the shortest cattle specimen older than 12 months in the world.

This tiny animal with big dreams is a cross between the Dexter and Zebu breed and measures 82.4 cm in height to the shoulder and is 27 months old, Xinhua reported.

Bred on a farm near Malgas in the Western Cape Province, it will challenge the current record holder, a Dexter cow in India, for its place in the Guinness record.

"The Dexter cow in India holds the record for the shortest cattle specimen older than a year at 84.9 cm. Another cow from India which measures at 84 cm also wants to take an attempt at the record," said the owner, Otto Steinhoffel, from Diep Kloof near Malgas on the banks of the Breederiver in the Overberg.

He has been trying to breed smaller cattle for the past 12 years.

The Guinness Book of World Records told Steinhofel that his challenge would be for the shortest cattle specimen in the world.

"I received an official challenge number from them and now we have to wait and see if we can break the record with this small bull which at 12 months only measured 71 cm," said Steinhofel.

This perfectly formed dwarf bull will be evaluated to see if it qualifies for the world record while it is exhibited at the Agri Mega Week from Wednesday to Saturday. Agri Mega Week will be held in Bredasdorp in the Overberg region of the Western Cape.