India has long been recognized as a hub for cattle rearing and is home to some of the world’s best indigenous cow breeds. Cattle play a significant role in Indian agriculture, economy, and culture by providing milk, draught power, and organic manure. With India’s focus on dairy production and sustainable farming, indigenous cow breeds have gained prominence for their resilience, adaptability to local climates, and milk quality. Additionally, crossbred cows and exotic varieties are also reared for higher milk production.
This article highlights top cow varieties in India, their characteristics, milk yield, and suitability for dairy and farming purposes.
1. Gir
Gir is one of the most popular indigenous cow breeds originating from the Gir forest region in Gujarat. It is known for its high milk yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to varied climates.
- Milk Yield: 10–15 liters per day
- Region: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
- Characteristics:
- Bulging forehead and long, pendulous ears
- Hump and dewlap are well-developed
- Calm temperament, suitable for hand milking
- Uses: Milk production and crossbreeding programs
2. Sahiwal
Sahiwal is considered one of the best milch breeds in India and is widely reared for its high-quality milk with high fat content. Originating from Punjab, this breed is extremely adaptable to harsh climatic conditions.
- Milk Yield: 8–12 liters per day
- Region: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Reddish-brown coat, sometimes with white patches
- Tolerant to heat and resistant to diseases
- Good reproductive performance
- Uses: Milk production and dairy farming
3. Red Sindhi
Red Sindhi cows are native to the Sindh province (now in Pakistan) and are highly valued for their high milk yield and disease resistance. They are widely reared in tropical regions.
- Milk Yield: 8–10 liters per day
- Region: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab
- Characteristics:
- Reddish-brown color with small, compact size
- Excellent heat tolerance
- Adaptable to both grazing and stall feeding
- Uses: Dairy farming and crossbreeding
4. Rathi
Rathi is an excellent dual-purpose breed found in Rajasthan. It is reared for both milk production and as a draught animal. The breed is highly efficient in arid and dry regions.
- Milk Yield: 6–10 liters per day
- Region: Rajasthan (Bikaner, Ganganagar, and Hanumangarh)
- Characteristics:
- Brown coat with white patches
- Good disease resistance
- Strong and hardy nature
- Uses: Milk production and draught work
5. Tharparkar
Tharparkar is a dual-purpose breed known for its milk production and draught power. It originates from the Thar desert region of Rajasthan and Pakistan and thrives well in dry and hot climates.
- Milk Yield: 8–10 liters per day
- Region: Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Characteristics:
- White or grey coat with a muscular body
- Heat and drought resistant
- Good adaptability to low-quality fodder
- Uses: Milk production, ploughing, and draught purposes
6. Hariana
Hariana cows are primarily draught animals but also produce a moderate amount of milk. They are commonly found in Haryana and northern states, known for their strength and stamina.
- Milk Yield: 5–8 liters per day
- Region: Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab
- Characteristics:
- White to light grey coat with a muscular frame
- Excellent draught power
- Suitable for ploughing and transport
- Uses: Draught purposes and milk production
7. Ongole
Ongole cows are native to the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh and are highly valued for their draught power and disease resistance. The bulls are widely used for agricultural work.
- Milk Yield: 3–6 liters per day
- Region: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Large body with white or grey coat
- Strong and powerful bulls
- Adaptable to tropical climates
- Uses: Draught work and milk production
8. Kankrej
Kankrej is a hardy dual-purpose breed originating from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The cows are good milk producers, and the bulls are prized for their strength and speed.
- Milk Yield: 8–10 liters per day
- Region: Gujarat, Rajasthan
- Characteristics:
- Grey to silver coat with large horns
- Heat and disease resistant
- Strong draught animals
- Uses: Milk production and agricultural work
9. Malnad Gidda
Malnad Gidda is a small-sized indigenous breed native to the Malnad region of Karnataka. Though small, it is highly productive and efficient for milk production in hilly areas.
- Milk Yield: 2–4 liters per day
- Region: Karnataka (Western Ghats)
- Characteristics:
- Small body size with black or brown coat
- Hardy and adaptable to hilly regions
- Requires minimal feed and care
- Uses: Milk production and organic farming
10. Hallikar
Hallikar is a prominent draught breed of cattle found in Karnataka. It is prized for its strength, speed, and endurance, making it ideal for ploughing and transport.
- Milk Yield: 2–3 liters per day
- Region: Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Compact size with grey or white coat
- Strong, muscular bulls for agricultural work
- High endurance and stamina
- Uses: Draught work and minimal milk production
11. Jersey Crossbred
Jersey crossbred cows are widely reared for high milk production. These are crossbred with indigenous cows like Sahiwal and Gir to improve adaptability and milk yield.
- Milk Yield: 12–18 liters per day
- Region: Across India
- Characteristics:
- Medium-sized with brownish coat
- High milk yield with good fat content
- Tolerant to tropical climates
- Uses: Dairy farming
India’s indigenous cow breeds are a vital asset to the agricultural economy due to their adaptability, disease resistance, and cultural significance. From the high milk-yielding Gir and Sahiwal to the hardy Hallikar and Kankrej, Indian breeds cater to various farming needs. Promoting indigenous and crossbred varieties can enhance sustainable dairy farming and support the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country.
FAQs
Q1: Which is the best indigenous cow breed for milk production?
A: Gir and Sahiwal are the best indigenous cow breeds for high milk production.
Q2: Which cow breed is suitable for hot and dry regions?
A: Tharparkar and Rathi breeds are highly suitable for hot and arid climates.
Q3: Which cow breed is best for dual purposes (milk and draught)?
A: Kankrej and Tharparkar are dual-purpose breeds suitable for both milk production and draught work.
Q4: Which breed of cow has the highest disease resistance?
A: Indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, and Red Sindhi have excellent disease resistance.
Q5: What are the best crossbred cow varieties in India?
A: Jersey crossbreds and HF (Holstein Friesian) crossbreds are popular for their high milk yield.
