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Indian Zebu Breeds

There are 88 surviving breeds of Zebu Cattle (bos indicus) in India. They can be classified into three categories: Milch, Dual Purpose and Draught Purpose breeds.

PROMINENT MILCHING BREEDS

GIR

  • This breed is otherwise known as Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi, and Surati
  • Originated in Gir forests of South Kathiawar in Gujarat.
  • Horns are peculiarly curved, giving a ‘half moon’ appearance.
  • Milk yield ranges from 1200-1800 kgs.
  • Age at first calving 45-54 months and inter calving period from 515 to 600 days.

RED SINDHI

  • This breed mostly found in a soil indian region of Sindh.
  • Colour is red with shades varying from dark red to light, strips of white.
  • Milk yield ranges from 1100-2600 kgs.
  • Widely used in crossbreeding programmes.
  • Age at first calving 39-50 months and inter calving period from 425-540 days.
redsindhi

SAHIWAL

  • This breed otherwise known as Lola (loose skin), Lambi Bar, Montgomery, Multani, Teli.
  • The colour is reddish dun or pale red, sometimes flashed with white patches.
  • The average milk yield of this breed is between 2,725 and 3,175 kgs in lactation period of 300 days.
sahiwal

THARPARKAR

  • Originated in Jaisalmer & Tharparkar district
  • Otherwise known as White Sindhi, Gray Sindhi and Thari.
  • Body colour is white or light grey.
  • The bullocks are quite suitable for ploughing and casting and the cows are good milch animals (1,800 – 2600 kgs).
  • Age at first calving ranges from 38-42 months and inter calving period from 430 to 460 days.
tharparker

PROMINENT DUAL PURPOSE BREEDS

DANGI

  • The breeding tract of Dangi is Nasik, Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra.
  • Dangi breed is also known as “Kandad?”
  • Dangi cattle are extensively used for ploughing, harrowing and other field operations, and for carting timber from forest area.
  • Dangi cattle have distinct white coat colour with red or black spots distributed unevenly over the body.
  • The d is usually small with a slightly protruding forehead.
  • Average milk yield per lactation is 430 kilograms with an average milk fat of 4.3%. The lactation milk yield ranges from 175 to 800 Kg.
dangi

DEONI

  • This breed otherwise known as Dongerpati, Dongari, Wannera, Waghyd, Balankya, Shevera.
  • Originated in Marathwada region of Maharashtra state and adjoining part of Karnataka and western Andra Pradesh states.
  • Body colour is usually spotted black and white. Horn covered outword and backwords, dip cheet and arched ribs, strong quarters, heavy dewlaps and pendulous sheath.
  • Age at first calving ranges from 894 to 1540 days with an average of 1391 days.
  • Milk yield ranges from 636 to 1230 kgs with an average of 940 days.
  • Caving interval averages 447 days.
deoni

HARYANA

  • It was originated from Rohtak, Hisar, Jind and Gurgaon districts of Haryana.
  • Horns are small.
  • The bullocks are good workers.
  • Haryana cows are good milkers yielding on an average 1.5 kg/cow/day in a lactation period of 300 days.
  • Average milk yield is 600 to 800 kgs per lactation. The age at first calving is 40-60 months.
hariana-min

KANKREJ

  • It is otherwise called as Wadad or Waged, Wadhiar.
  • Originated from Southeast Rann of Kutch of Guiarat and adjoining Rajasthan (Barmer and Jodhpur district).
  • Colour of the animal varies from silver-grey to iron-grey or steel black.
  • The gait of Kankrej is peculiar called as 1 ¼ paces (sawai chal).
  • Kankreiis valued for fast, powerful, draught cattle.
  • Useful in ploughing and carting.
  • The cows are good milkers, yielding about 1360 kgs.
kankrej

MEWATI

  • Mewati, also known as “Kosi” or “Mehwati” is a draught purpose breed.
  • The breeding tract includes Gurgaon and Faridabad districts of Haryana: Alwar and Bharatpur Districts of Rajasthan; and Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Mewati cattle are powerful and docile. They are useful for heavy ploughing, carting and drawing water from deep wells.
  • Mewati cattle are usually white in colour with neck, shoulders and quarters of a darker shade.
  • Horns are small to medium in size and emerge outwards, upwards and then inwards in majority of animals. However, in some animals the horns emerge outwards and upward. Tips of the horns are pointed.
  • Face is long and narrow with straight, sometimes slightly bulging forehead.

ONGOLE

  • Home tract in Ongole taluk in Gantur district of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Large heavy muscular body.
  • Forehead is broad with stumpy horn thick at base Hump is well developed.
ongole

RATHI

  • Rathi is found in the arid regions of Rajasthan.
  • The name is derived from a pastoral tribe called Raths. The Breeding tract of this breed lies in the heart of Thar Desert comprising Bikaner, Ganganagar and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan.
  • This breed is usually brown in colour with white patches all over the body, other than the ones with completely brown or black coat with white patches.
  • The Rathi cows are efficient and good milkers.
  • This breed has an average produce of 1560 kilo grams of milk. The lactation milk yield ranges from 1062 to 2810 Kg. Selected cows have produced around 4800 Kg at farmer’s doorstep.
  • Average milk yield is 1000 Kgs. Age at first calving (AFC) is 38-45 months with an intercalving period of 470 days.
rathi

PROMINENT DRAUGHT PURPOSE BREEDS

ALAMBADI

  • The Alambadi cow is a breed of cattle that originated in the Alambadi region of Tamil Nadu, India.
  • It is a medium-sized breed, with bulls typically weighing around 350 Kg and cows weighing around 300 Kg.
  • Alambadi cows have a strong, compact build and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
  • Alambadi cows are primarily used for draught power.
  • Long, sweeping horns: Alambadi cows have long, sweeping horns that curve backwards and end in sharp points.
  • Iron-grey coat colour: Alambadi cows have a distinctive iron-grey coat colour.
  • Docile temperament: Alambadi cows are known for their docile temperament and ease of handling.
cow

AMRITMAHAL

  • Originated in Hassan, Chikmangalur and Chitradurga district of Karnataka.
  • Amiritmahal are grey coloured cattle with their shade varying from almost white to nearly black.
  • Horns are long and end in sharp black points.
  • The muzzle, feet and tail switch are usually black.
  • Horns protrude backside.
  • Ears are small and erect with small dewlap.
  • Poor milk producers.
amritmahal

BACHAUR

  • The breeding tract of Bachaur cattle is Sitamarhi, Dharbanga and Madhubani districts of Bihar.
  • They are also known as “Bhutia”.
  • The breed has very close similarity to the Hariana breed. The breed is primarily utilized for draft qualities and ability to thrive with lower quality feeds.
  • Common colours of Bachaur cattle is grey or greyish white. They are compact with straight backs. well-rounded barrels, short necks and muscular shoulders.
  • The forehead is broad and flat or slightly convex.
  • The eyes are large and prominent.
  • The horns are medium-sized and stumpy, curving outward, upward and downward.
  • The breed is mainly used for work and bullocks can work for long periods without any break.
  • Average milk yield per lactation of Bachaur cow is 347 kg with an average milk fat of 5%. The lactation milk yield ranges from 225 to 630.
bachaur

BARGUR

  • Found around Bargur hills in Bhavani taluk of Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu.
  • Bargur cattle ahe of brown colour with white markings. Some are white or dark brown in colour too.
  • Animals are well built, compact and medium in sized.
bargur

GAOLAO

  • Gaolao is a breed of western and middle part of India and known for its agility. The breed is also known as “Arvi” and “Gaulgani”.
  • The breeding tract of Gaolao cattle includes Balaghat, Chhindwara, Seoni districts of Madhya Pradesh; Durg and Rajnandgaon districts of Chattisgarh and Wardha and Nagpur districts of Maharashtra.
  • The breed is Suitable for transportation in hilly areas.
  • The coat colour is blackish white in males and white in females. Males are generally grey over the neck.
  • Horns are short, stumpy and curved slightly backward. Head is markedly long and taper towards muzzle.
  • Forehead recedes at the top giving a slightly convex appearance. Bullocks are trained for moving fast.
  • The milk yield is low with an average of 604 kg per lactation with 4.32% fat (ranges between 470 to 725 kg per lactation).
gaolao

HALLIKAR

  • Originated from the former princely state of Vijayanagarm, presently part of Karnataka.
  • The breed us grey white in colour.
  • They are compact, muscular and medium sized animal with long bulging forehead.
  • Long horn with sharp pointed tip, long face and small ear.
  • The breed is best known for its raught capacity and especially for its trotting ability.
hallikar

KANGAYAM

  • Originated in Kangayam, Dharapuram, Perundurai, Erode, Bhavani and parts of Gobichettipalayam taluk of Erode and Coimbatore district.
  • Coat is red at birth but changes to grey at about 6 months of age.
  • Bulls are grey with dark colour hump, fore and hind quarters.
  • Bullocks are grey. Cows are grey or white. However, animals with red, black, fawn and broken colours are also observed.
  • The eyes are dark and prominent with black rings around them.
  • Average milk yield per lactation is 430 kilograms with an average milk fat of 4.3%. The lactation milk yield ranges from 175 to 800 Kg.
kangayam

KENKATHA

  • Also known as “Kenwaria”, the breeding tract comprises Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh and Lalitpur, Hamirpur and Banda districts of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Kenkatha breed is maintained mainly for draught purpose and are very popular for light draught on road and for cultivation.
  • The animals are small, sturdy and powerful, varying in colour from grey on the barrel to dark grey on rest of the body.
  • The horns emerge from the outer angles of the poll in forward direction and end in sharp points.
  • They are known for their peculiar characteristic to thrive on poor feed resources.
kenkatha

KHERIGARH

  • Kherigarh is a draught purpose breed and the breeding tract includes “Kheri” district of Uttar Pradesh and hence, the name.
  • The breed is also known by various names like “Kheri”, “Kharigarh” and “Khari.”
  • The animals of this breed are small but active. Kherigarh has white coat colour. Some animals have grey colour distributed all over the body, especially on face.
  • Horns are upstanding, curving outward as well as upward and thick at the base.
  • The standard lactation milk yield ranges from 300 to 500 kilo grams.
kherigarh

KHILLARI

  • Originated in Sholapur district of Maharashtra.
  • The typical Khillari animal is compact and tight skinned with clean cut features and squarely developed hindquarters.
  • Horns are long and pointed following backward curve of the forehead which are placed close together at the root with thick base.
  • The ribs are well sprung and give the trunk a barrel shape.
  • Grey-white in colour and have quick gait.
  • Average milk yield per lactation of Khillar cattle is 451 kg with an average milk fat of 4.2%. The lactation yield ranges from 240 to 515 kilo grams.
KHILLARI

KRISHNA VALLEY

  • Originated in black cotton soil of the water shed of the river Krishna in Karnataka.
  • Animals are large having a massive frame with deep, loosely built short body.
  • Tail almost reaches the ground
  • Common colour is grey white with a darker shade on forequarters and hindquarters in male. Adult females are more whitish in appearance.
  • The bullocks of this breed are powerful animals useful for slow ploughing and valued for their good working qualities.
  • The cows are fair milkers with average yield of about 916 kgs during the lactation period.
KRISHNA VALLEY

MALVI

  • Malvi is named after its place of origin viz. “Malwa” region, it is also known by synonyms as “Mahadeo puri” & “Manthani.”
  • The breeding tract includes Rajgarh, Shajapu, Ratlam and Ujjain districts of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Malvi cattle are white or white greyish – darker in males, with neck, shoulders, hump and quarters almost black. Cows and bullocks become nearly pure white with age.
  • The horns are curved emerging from the outer angle of the poll in an outward and upward direction and are about 20 – 25 cm in long.
  • The animals are well known for quick transportation, endurance and ability to carry heavy load on rough roads. The animals of this breed are strong and well-built.
  • The average milk yield in this breed is around 916 kg per lactation with 4.3% fat and ranges from 627 Kg to 1227 Kg.
MALVI

OTHER REGIONAL BREEDS

BELAHI

  • The Belahi cow is a breed of cattle that originated in the foothills of the Shivalik range in Haryana, India.
  • Belahi cows have a strong, symmetrical build and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
  • Belahi cows have a reddish-brown coat colour, with white markings on the face, legs, and belly.
  • Belahi cows have long, curved horns that curve upwards and inwards.
  • Belahi cows are known for their docile temperament and ease of handling.
  • Belahi cows are primarily used for milk production. They produce milk,with a high fat content of around 5.25%.
  • Belahi cows are also good draught animals, and they are often used for ploughing and other agricultural tasks.
BELAHI

BENGALI

  • The Bengali cow is a breed of cattle that originated in the Bengal region of South Asia, which is now divided between Bangladesh and India.
  • It is a medium-sized breed, with bulls typically weighing around 300-400 kg aNd cows weighing around 200-300 kg.
  • Bengali cows have a strong, compact build and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
  • They produce milk with a high fat content of around 5-6%.
  • Bengali cows are also good draught animals, and they are often used for ploughing and other agricultural tasks.
  • Bengali cows have short, inward-curving horns with prominent forehead.
  • Bengali cows have a grey or white coat colour. They are known for their docile temperament and ease of handling.
KHASI

BINHARPURI

  • The Binharpuri cow is a breed of cattle that originated in the Jaipur district of Odisha, India.
  • It is a medium-sized breed, with bulls typically weighing around 350 kg and cows weighing around 250 kg.
  • Binharpuri cows have a strong, compact build and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
  • Binharpuri cows have short, upward-curving horns with a prominent forehead.
  • Binharpuri cows have a predominantly white coat colour, with occasional black, brown, or grey markings.
  • Binharpuri cows are known for their docile temperament and ease of handling.
  • Binharpuri cows are dual-purpose animals, used for both milk production and draught power. They produce milk with a high fat content of around 4.3-4.4%.
  • Binharpuri cows are also strong draught animals, and they are often used for ploughing and other agricultural tasks.
BINHARPURI

GUJAMAVU

  • The Gujamavu cow is a breed of cattle that is native to the Indian state of Gujarat.
  • It is a medium-sized breed, with bulls typically weighing around 350-400 kg and cows weighing around 250-300 kg.
  • Gujamavu cows have a strong, compact build and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
  • Gujamavu cows are dual-purpose animals, used for both milk production and draught power. They produce milk with a high fat content of around 5-6%. Gujamavu cows are also strong draught animals, and they are often used for ploughing and other agricultural tasks.
  • Gujamavu cows have short, inward-curving horns with a prominent forehead.
  • Gujamavu cows are known for their docile temperament and ease of handling.
  • Gujamavu cows are also known for their ability to thrive in a variety of climates and conditions. This makes them a sustainable breed of cattle for farmers in Gujarat, who may face challenges such as drought and water scarcity.
GUJAMAVU

HISSAR

  • The Hissar cow is a breed of cattle that originated in the Hissar district of Haryana, India.
  • It is a large breed of cattle, with bulls typically weighing around 500 kg and cows weighing around 400 kg.
  • Hissar cows have a strong, muscular build and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
  • Hissar cows have short, inward-curving horns with a prominent forehead.
  • They produce milk with a high fat content of around 5.2%.
  • Hissar cows are also strong draught animals, and they are often used for ploughing and other agricultural tasks.
  • Hissar cows have a predominantly grey coat colour, with occasional black or brown markings.
  • Hissar cows are known for their docile temperament and ease of handling.
  • Hissar cows are also known for their longevity, with some cows living to be over 20 years old.
  • They are also relatively easy to maintain, and they can survive on a variety of feeds.
  • Hissar cows are a hardy and versatile breed of cattle that are well-suited for a variety of climates and conditions.
HISSAR

JALLICUT

  • The Jallicut cow, also known as the Pulikulam cow, is a breed of cattle that is native to the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, India.
  • It is a medium-sized breed, with bulls typically weighing around 250 kg and cows weighing around 200 kg.
  • Jallicut cows have a strong, compact build and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
  • Jallicut cows have short, inward-curving horns with a prominent forehead.
  • Jallicut cows have a grey or white coat colour.
  • Jallicut cows are primarily used for draught power and cart racing. However, they are also good milk producers, with cows yielding an average of 1-2 litres of milk per day.
  • Jallicut milk is known for its high fat content and rich flavour.
  • Jallicut cows are known for their docile temperament and ease of handling.
  • Jallicut cows are known for their strength and agility, which is essential for their performance in Jallikattu (cattle-race through fire).
  • Jallicut cows are also known for their bravery and courage, which they need to face the bulls in the Jallikattu arena.
  • Jallicut cows are also intelligent animals, which helps them to navigate the Jallikattu arena and avoid injury.
JALLICUT

KASARGOD

  • The Kasaragod cow is a breed of cattle that is native to the Kasaragod district of Kerala, India.
  • It is a medium-sized breed, with bulls typically weighing around 300-350 kg and cows weighing around 250-300 kg.
  • Kasaragod cows have a strong, compact build and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
  • Kasaragod cows have short, inward-curving horns with a prominent forehead.
  • Kasaragod cows have a grey or white coat colour.
  • Kasaragod cows are known for their docile temperament and ease of handling.
KASARGOD

KHAMALA

  • The Khamala cow is a breed of zebu cattle that is native lo the Kathiawar region of Gujarat, India.
  • It is a medium-sized breed, with bulls typically weighing around 350-400 kg and cows weighing around 250-300 kg.
  • Khamala cows have a strong, compact build and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
  • Khamala cows are dual-purpose animals, used for both milk production and draught power. They produce milk with a high fat content of around 5-6%.
  • Khamala cows are also strong draught animals, and they are often used for ploughing and other agricultural tasks.
  • Khamala cows have short, inward-curving horns with a prominent forehead.
  • Khamala cows have a grey or white coat colour.
  • Khamala cows are known for their docile temperament and ease of handling.
KHASI

KHASI

  • Khasi cow is a breed of zebu cattle that is native lo the Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya, India.
  • It is a small breed, with bulls typically weighing around 200-250 kg and cows weighing around 150-200 kg.
  • Khasi cows have a strong, compact build and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
  • Khasi cows are primarily used for milk production. They produce milk with a high fat content of around 6-8%. Khasi milk is also known for its high protein and vitamin content.
  • Khasi cows have short, inward-curving horns with a prominent forehead.
  • Khasi cows have a grey or white coat colour.
  • Docile temperament: Khasi cows are known for their docile temperament and ease of handling.
KHASI

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