cow breeds in India: There are various animals and their breeds all over the world. All those animals are important to humans in one way or the other. Various animals provide us with food, water and other necessary things for our survival. This article will also help you enhance your knowledge regarding nature. This article will provide you with all the information regarding cow breeds in India.
Why are cows important to humans?
Hinduism holds high regard for cows. Mother Earth is symbolised by it because she is a source of goodness and because all living things are fed by her milk. Lord Krishna is frequently presented in tales that describe his upbringing as a cowherd and refer to him as the youngster who guards cows. All the dairy products we use such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, butter, buttermilk, cream etc. are made up of cow’s milk.
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Various breeds of cows found in India:
There are various breeds of cows that are found in India. The information regarding the types, names, breeds, sizes and other details are as follows:
1) Gir cow
| Cattle name | Gir or Gyr |
| Breed | Zebu or Bos indicus |
| Country of origin | Gujarat, India |
| Cattle type | Desi (indigenous) |
| Average body weight | Large (400-475 kg) |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 6-10 litres per day |
| Used for | Dairy purposes |
| Average life span | 12-15 years |
It is the best cow breed in India. Gir cows cost from 1 lakh to 2 lakh rupees depending upon their milk production, age, lactation status and pregnancy status. Generally, a Pregnant Gir cow costs more than dry one.
2) Sahiwal cow
| Cattle name | Sahiwal |
| Breed | Zebu |
| Country of origin | Punjab, Pakistan |
| Cattle type | Desi (indigenous), including Pakistan |
| Average body weight | Large (550-650 kg) |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 40-50 litres per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
| Average life span | 7-8 years |
Generally, Sahiwal cows cost between 60, 000 rupees to 75, 000 rupees.
3) Red Sindhi Cow
| Cattle name | Red Sindhi Cow |
| Breed | Zebu |
| Country of origin | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Average body weight | Male: 530 kg Female: 325 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | More than 12 litres per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
Red Sindhi Cows cost around 35,000 rupees in India.
4) Rathi cow
| Cattle name | Rathi cow |
| Breed | Draft breed |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body size | Male: 350-400 kg Female: 280-300 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | Upto 10 litres of milk per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
Rathi cows cost between 45,000 rupees to 60,000 rupees in specific places.
5) Ongole cow
| Cattle name | Ongole (previously Nellore) |
| Breed | Bos indicus |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | 500 kg 500 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 8-10 litres per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
| Average life span | more than 15 years |
The cost of an Ongole cow is around 35,000 rupees in India.
6) Deoni cow
| Cattle name | Deoni cow |
| Breed | Draught cattle |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | Male: 600 kg Female: 450 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 4-7 litres per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
7) Kankrej cow
| Cattle name | Kankrej cow |
| Breed | Zebu |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | Male: 550-570 kg Female: 330-370 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 3-5 litres per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
The average cost of a Kankrej cow is around 25,000 rupees.
8) Tharparkar cow
| Cattle name | Tharparker |
| Breed | Zebu (Bos indicus) |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | Male: 450 kg Female: 400 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 10-14 litres per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
| Average life span | 25 years |
The cost of a Tharparker cow ranges from 40,000 rupees to 60,000 rupees.
9) Hariana cow
| Cattle name | Hariana |
| Breed | Zebu (bos indicus) |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | Male: 430 kg Female: 310 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 10-15 litres per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
| Average life span | 10 years |
The average cost of Hariana cow is 22,000 rupees.
10) Krishna valley cow
| Cattle name | Krishna valley |
| Breed | Zebu (bos indicus) |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | Male: 550 kg Female: 325 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 10-15 litres per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
It was originally found in Karnataka’s Krishna River watershed and now can be found in Maharashtra’s bordering districts.
11) Hallikar cow
| Cattle name | Hallikar |
| Breed | Zebu (bos indicus) |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | 400 kg to 1,000 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 2-3 litres per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
| Average life span | 15 years |
12) Amritmahal cow
| Cattle name | Amritmahal |
| Breed | Draught breed |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | 500 kg to 800 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 8-12 litres per day |
| Used for | dairy purposes |
Amritmahal cows cost 2-3 lakh rupees in India.
13) Khillari cow
| Cattle name | Khillari |
| Breed | Draught breed |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | 350 kg to 450 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 8-12 litres per day |
| Used for | Draught and Dairy purposes |
Khillari cow, on average costs around 2 lakh rupees in India.
14) Kangayam cow
| Cattle name | Kangayam |
| Breed | Draught breed |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | 350 kg to 525 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 8-12 litres per day |
| Used for | Draught and Dairy purposes |
Generally, Kangayam cows cost between 40,000 rupees to 70,000 rupees in India.
15) Bargur cow
| Cattle name | Bargur cow |
| Breed | Draught breed |
| Country of origin | India |
| Average body weight | 400 kg to 500 kg |
| Milk type | A2 milk |
| Milk L/Day | 2-3 litres per day |
| Used for | Draught and Dairy purposes |
The average cost of a Bargur cow in India is between 27,000 rupees to 32,000 rupees.
FAQ
Amritmahal cows cost 2-3 lakh rupees in India.
Kankrej cows can produce about 3-5 litres per day.
The country of origin of the Red Sindhi cow is Karachi, Pakistan.
The gir cow is considered the best of all.
Sahiwal cows are used for dairy purposes.
Ongole cows were also known as Nellore previously.