Cattle
- India has the largest cattle population in the world, with over 300 million cattle (approximately 300 million cows and buffaloes combined). Cattle (including both dairy and beef breeds) are crucial to India’s rural economy and food production.
- The dairy sector is especially prominent, as India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of milk.
- India is the world’s largest producer of milk, contributing about 22% of the global milk production.
- Milk production in India is mainly from buffaloes (accounting for around 60% of the total milk production) and cows.
- Popular milk-producing states include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.
Indigenous (Zebu) Cattle (Bos indicus)
Indigenous or Zebu cattle are well adapted to hot and humid climates and have resistance to diseases like tick-borne illnesses. They are characterized by:
- A prominent hump on the back.
- A long face and upright horns.
- Drooping ears and a dewlap (loose skin under the neck).
- Slender legs, making them well-suited for draught work.
- Adaptability to extreme climatic conditions, particularly heat and drought.
- Domestication history traced back to Afghanistan, Sind, and Baluchistan before 4000 BC.
Classification of Indigenous Cattle Breeds in India
Indian cattle breeds are categorized into three groups based on their primary utility:
- Milch (Dairy) Breeds:
These breeds are known for high milk production and are preferred for dairy farming. Milch breeds are specialized dairy breeds known for high milk yield and good lactation performance. These breeds are extensively used in dairy farming across India due to their adaptability to local conditions and disease resistance.
Breed | Origin & Distribution | Physical Characteristics | Milk Production & Features |
Gir (Gujarat) | Originated in the Gir forests of Gujarat. Found in Gujarat & Maharashtra. Exported to Brazil & the USA for crossbreeding. | Large-sized, well-developed body. Red to speckled red & white coat. Broad, convex forehead (“dome-shaped” head). Large, pendulous ears, long tail. Curved upward & outward horns. | Average yield: 1200-1800 liters/lactation, up to 3000 liters. Fat content: 4.5–5%. Heat & disease-resistant, strong maternal instincts. |
Sahiwal (Punjab) | Native to Montgomery district (Pakistan). Found in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh. Exported worldwide for dairy farming. | Reddish-brown/light brown coat with white patches. Loose skin, prominent dewlap. Large, well-developed udder, medium-sized teats. Short, thick, curved horns. | Average yield: 2000-3000 liters/lactation, up to 4000 liters. Fat content: 4.5–5.5%. Best Indian dairy breed. Resistant to heat stress & tropical diseases. Used in crossbreeding (HF, Jersey). |
Red Sindhi (Sindh, Pakistan) | Originated in Sindh, Pakistan. Found in Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka. Known for heat tolerance & high milk yield. | Medium-sized, deep & compact body. Dark reddish-brown coat. Small, curved horns. Large udder with prominent teats. | Average yield: 1800-2500 liters/lactation. Fat content: 4.5-5.5%. Highly disease-resistant (tick infestations). Used in crossbreeding (Jersey, Holstein Friesian). |
Deoni (Maharashtra) | Originated in Deoni (Maharashtra). Found in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra. Considered a dual-purpose breed (milk & draft). | Medium-sized, black & white or spotted coat. Strong, muscular build. Straight back. Convex forehead, broad face. Strong, slightly curved horns. | Average yield: 1500-1800 liters/lactation. Fat content: 4.3-5%. Adapted to dry conditions, highly disease-resistant. Used for both milk production & fieldwork. |
- Dual purpose breed
These breeds are strong and muscular, making them suitable for agricultural work like plowing and cart pulling.
Breed | Origin & Distribution | Physical Characteristics | Milk Production & Features |
Hariana | Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh | Medium-sized, white or light grey coat, small horns | Milk yield: 1200-1500 liters/lactation, dual-purpose (milk & draft) |
Kankrej | Gujarat, Rajasthan | Large-sized, silver-grey coat, long lyre-shaped horns | Milk yield: 1500-2000 liters/lactation, heat-resistant, strong draft breed |
Tharparkar | Rajasthan, Sindh (Pakistan) | White or grey coat, medium build, deep body | Milk yield: 2000-2500 liters/lactation, heat & disease-resistant |
Nimari | Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra | Medium-sized, reddish-brown coat with white patches | Milk yield: 1000-1500 liters/lactation, used for milk & plowing |
Dangi | Maharashtra (Western Ghats) | Small, black & white mottled coat, sturdy body | Low milk yield: 600-800 liters/lactation, excellent draft breed for hilly terrain |
Mewati | Haryana, Rajasthan | Large, light grey or white coat, strong build | Milk yield: 800-1200 liters/lactation, used for agriculture & transport |
Rathi | Rajasthan (Bikaner, Jaisalmer) | Brown/reddish coat with white patches, small horns | Milk yield: 1600-2500 liters/lactation, high heat tolerance |
Ongole | Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu | White coat, muscular build, long upward-curved horns | Milk yield: 1000-1500 liters/lactation, famous for strength & disease resistance |
- Draught purpose breed
Breed | Origin & Distribution | Physical Characteristics | Milk Production & Features |
Amritmahal | Karnataka | Grey/white coat, long & strong horns | Low milk yield (500-1000 L/lactation), used for draft purposes |
Bargur | Tamil Nadu (Bargur Hills) | Brown coat with white patches, aggressive nature | Low milk yield (600-800 L/lactation), excellent draft breed |
Bachaur | Bihar (Mithila region) | Light grey/white coat, small, compact body | Low milk yield (500-1000 L/lactation), strong plowing ability |
Gaolao | Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh | Light grey/white coat, long slender body | Milk yield (1000-1500 L/lactation), used for both milk & plowing |
Hallikar | Karnataka | White or grey coat, long & strong horns | Low milk yield (500-1000 L/lactation), famous for speed & strength |
Khillari | Maharashtra, Karnataka | Grey/white coat, compact body, upward-curved horns | Low milk yield (600-1000 L/lactation), fast-moving draft breed |
Kangayam | Tamil Nadu | White/grey coat, muscular body, strong legs | Low milk yield (700-1200 L/lactation), famous for bullock-cart races |
Malvi | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan | White/grey coat, medium size, strong limbs | Low milk yield (800-1200 L/lactation), used for plowing & transport |
Kenkatha | Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh | Dark grey/black coat, compact body | Low milk yield (500-900 L/lactation), good for drought resistance |
Nagauri | Rajasthan (Nagaur region) | White coat, large & strong build | Milk yield (1000-1500 L/lactation), excellent for draft work |
Kherigarh | Uttar Pradesh (Lakhimpur-Kheri) | White/grey coat, small & compact body | Low milk yield (600-1000 L/lactation), used for agriculture & transport |
Siri | Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh | Black/reddish-brown coat, medium-sized | Milk yield (1000-1500 L/lactation), adapted to hilly terrain |
Ponwar | Uttar Pradesh (Pilibhit region) | Dark brown/black coat, medium build | Low milk yield (500-1000 L/lactation), strong for plowing & transport |
Krishna Valley | Karnataka, Maharashtra | Grey coat, large body, deep chest | Milk yield (1000-1800 L/lactation), good for both milk & draft work |
B) Exotic Breeds of Cattle
Exotic breeds have been introduced in India to improve milk production and are mainly from Europe and America.
Breed | Country of Origin | Key Features |
Jersey | England | Small size, high butterfat content in milk |
Holstein Friesian (HF) | Holland | Large size, highest milk yield |
Brown Swiss | Switzerland | Heat tolerance, long productive life |
Guernsey | France | Rich milk with high fat content |
C) Crossbred Cattle Breeds
Crossbreeding between Indian and exotic breeds has led to the development of high-yielding hybrid breeds.
Crossbreed | Parent Breeds | Features |
Taylor | Short Horn × Local Breed | First crossbreed in India |
Karan-Swiss | Brown Swiss × Sahiwal | High milk yield, disease resistance |
Karan-Fries | Holstein Friesian × Tharparkar | High milk yield, suitable for Indian conditions |
Jersindh | Jersey × Red Sindhi | High butterfat content |
Sunandini | Brown Swiss × Local Breed | Popular in Kerala |
Frieswal | Holstein Friesian × Sahiwal | Developed by Indian military farms |
Jamaica Hope (JH) | Jersey × Sahiwal × HF | Developed in Jamaica for tropical conditions |
