Top 10 Cow Breeds in India: Their Origin and Characteristics

Table of Contents 

• Introduction to Cow Breeds
• Which are the Top 10 Cow Breeds in India?
  • Tharparkar Cow
  • Sahiwal Cow
  • Red Sindhi Cow  
  • Gir Cow
  • Kankrej Cow
  • Deoni Cow
  • Ongole Cow
  • Krishna Valley Cow
  • Amritmahal Cow
  • Khillari Cow
• Some Facts about Cow Breeds in India

Introduction to Cow Breeds 

Cattle breeds are raised in India since ancient times for the milk and draught purposes. These animals are an essential aspect of Cattle Farming and Livestock Farming. The scientific name of the cow is Bos Taurus. The average cow's lifespan in India is 15 to 20 years. According to the 21st Livestock Census of India, the total number of cattle in the country was 193.46 million in 2019, showing an increase of 1.3% over the previous Census. The total number of milch animals (in-milk and dry) in cows and buffaloes is 125.75 million, an increase of 6% over the previous census.

Which are the Top 10 Cow Breeds in India? 

According to ICAR, there are 54 well-defined registered Indian cattle breeds in India, including 1 synthetic cattle breed named Frieswal from Uttar Pradesh. These include pure milch cattle, draught cattle, and hybrid cattle. Some of the famous Indigenous breeds of cow are Red Sindhi, Gir and Sahiwal. Let's look at the top 10 Indian cow breeds in terms of average milk yield below. 

Tharparkar Cow 

The Tharparkar cows were originated in Tharparkar district in Pakistan. These are also found in Thar Desert in Rajasthan and Gujarat. They are an ideal cattle breed for arid and semi-arid regions. These dual-purpose cattle breeds are used for dairy and draught purposes. They are also known as Thai, Grey Sindhi, and White Sindhi. They are medium—to large-sized cows with white or light grey coats and lyre-shaped horns. Tharparkar is the highest milk producing cow breed in India with a yield of 1800 – 2600 kg of milk per lactation.   

Sahiwal Cow 

The Sahiwal cow origins are from the Montgomery district in Punjab, Pakistan. It is also prevalent in various regions of India, particularly Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. It is known by names such as Lola (loose skin), Montgomery, Multani, Lambi Bar, and Teli. They are reddish dun and pale red with white patches. They are the best desi Indian cows, and their average milk yield ranges between 1400 kg and 2500 kg in lactation. Sahiwal cows are famous for their high milk yield, adaptability to harsh climates, and disease resistance. 

Red Sindhi Cow 

The Red Sindhi cow is native to Karachi and Hyderabad (Pakistan) regions. It is also known by the names Red Karachi, Mahi, and Sindhi. Red Sindhi cows are known for their excellent milk production. The average milk yield of this breed ranges between 1250 kg and 1800 kg per lactation. They have a distinct red coat with white patches and a strong body structure, making them the best cow breed in India for dairy farming. 

Gir Cow 

The Gir cow is native to the Gir forest region of South Kathiawar, Gujarat. This cow breed is also found in Maharashtra and adjacent Rajasthan. It is one of the famous indigenous cow varieties in India. It is known by names such as Desan, Bhadwari, Kathiawari, Surati, and Gujarati. The average milk yield of Gir cows varies between 1200 and 1800 kgs per lactation. They are peculiarly famous for their curved horns resembling a 'half-moon'. They are typically white with dark red or chocolate-brown patches or sometimes black or purely red. They are revered for their robust health and resistance to many diseases. 

Kankrej Cow 

The Kankrej cow is found in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and Barmer and Jodhpur district in Rajasthan. It is also known as Wadad or Waged and Wadhiar. It is used for both dairy and draught purposes. They are prized for their resilience, strength, and ability to adapt to hot and cold climates. They can yield up to 1400 kg of milk. Kankrej cow colour is a distinct silver-grey or iron grey. They have a prominent hump and lyre shaped horns.  This cow breed is considered good for ploughing and carting purposes.

Deoni Cow 

Deoni cows are found in Western Andhra Pradesh and the Marathwada region of Maharashtra and adjoining part of Karnataka. They are also known by other names, such as Dongari, Shevera, Balankya, and Dongerpati. They are black and white and are used for bullock and dairy purposes. The average milk yield per lactation ranges between 636 kg and 1230 kg. 

Ongole Cow 

The Ongole cow, also known as the Nellore breed, is a native of the Ongole taluk of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. The Ongole cow is popular for agricultural and dairy activities because of its strength, endurance, and adaptability to tropical climates. During the lactation period, the average milk yield is 1000 kg. This is a large muscular breed with a distinctive hump and are typically white or light grey. 

Krishna Valley Cow 

The Krishna Valley cows are endemic to the black soil region of the River Krishna Valley in Karnataka and border districts of Maharashtra. They have a large, massive frame with deep, loosely built, short bodies. They are white in colour and dark in shade. They are also hybrid cattle, and hence, they are used for both dairy and draught purposes. Their average milk yield is 900 kg per lactation. The males are grey white with a darker shade on the forequarters and hindquarters, and the female cows are more whitish in appearance. Their tails are so long that almost reaches the ground.

Amritmahal Cow

Amritmahal cow breed is native to Hassan, Chikmagalur and Chitradurga district of Karnataka. These cows have black muzzle, feat and tail. They have sharp long horns in black colour. These cows are grey, but their shade varies from white to black. The average milk yield is 572 kg per lactation.

Khillari Cow

Khillari cows are originated from Sholapur and Sitapur districts of Maharashtra. They are typically grey-white in colour. They have peculiar black horns which sometimes turn pink. This breed resembles to the Hallikar breed. The average milk yield of this breed is 451 kg. They are mostly used for bullocks.

Some Facts about Cow Breeds in India  

• Smallest Cow: The Punganur dwarf cattle of the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. It is the smallest cow in the world.
• Best Cow Breed: Sahiwal is the best cow breed in India.
• Highest Milk-Producing Cow: The Red Sindhi Cow is the highest milk-producing cow in India.
• Most Expensive Cow: The Ongole breed is the most expensive cow in India.