Top Milk-Producing Cow Breeds In India: A Dairy Farmer's Guide For High Milk Yield

Published by: mandigram on Dec. 6, 2024, 2:46 p.m.

India harbors some of the world's finest breeds, each unique in its characteristics, adaptability, and potential for milk. These indigenous breeds have made themselves a place of importance in the Indian economy since agriculture is at the base of its development. Below is a detailed catalog of the best cow breeds in India, elaborating their characteristics and advantages, explaining why Indian dairy farmers prefer them.

1. Gir Cow: The Pride Of Gujarat

The The Gir cow cow comes from the Gir forests in Gujarat, and it is one of the most famous indigenous breeds in India. It is high milk yield and disease-resistant and most used by dairy farmers; very highly sought below.

Key Features:

Milk Production: On average, a Gir cow produces 12–15 litters of milk per day.
Adaptability: Flourishes in different climates and is exported as well.
Physical Traits: They have a distinct face that is clearly dished, long ears, and a sturdy body.

It contains A2 beta-casein protein; hence, the milk from Gir cows is more nutritious than other breeds and therefore preferable for health benefits.
The milk produced by Gir cows is of very high nutritive quality and hence much preferred for its health benefits.

2. Sahiwal: A High-Yield Breed

The Pure Sahiwal breed of cattle is from the regions of Punjab and Haryana, where it indicates one of the best dairy breeds in India.

Key Features:
Milk Yield: A Sahiwal cow can yield 15 to 20 litres of milk per day, most milk-yielding amongst all.
Health Benefits: The milk of Sahiwal cows comes with high nutrient quality and excellent digestibility
Low Maintenance: These cows are low-investment ones due to very low care requirements and high resistance to common cattle diseases.

The breed is favoured by farmers for its economic value and long life.

3. Red Sindhi: The Dairy Specialist

Native to Sindh (now in Pakistan), the Red Sindhi cow are preferred by dairy farmers in India for their good milk yielding potential.

Key Features:
Milk Yield: Red Sindhi cows yield 10–12 liters of milk per day.
Hardiness: They are very hardy and can tolerate well in tropical climatic conditions.
Crossbreeding: Usually used in crossbreeding to upgrade the dairy characteristics of other breeds.
Their milk has rich nutrient which make it suitable for both home consumption and commercial use.

4. Tharparkar: The Versatile Breed

This breed comes from the region of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan and is one of the dairy-cum-draught breeds. Tharparkar cow is considered a highly versatile breed.

Key Features:
Milk Production: Approximately 8–10 litters per day.
Drought Resistance: Extremely suitable for arid and semi-arid regions.
Multipurpose Use: Besides plowing and transport, it is a dairy-producing breed.

A Tharparkar cow can be deemed extremely precious for a farmer in a difficult climate due to its ability to adjust to extreme weather conditions.

5. Rathi: The Dual-Purpose Wonder

Originating from Rajasthan, the Rathi breed of cow is quite famous for its dual-purpose utility, that is, as good a milker as it is a working bullock.

Key Features:
Milk Yield: 10–12 liters per day with better fat percentage in milk.
Durability: Rugged and sturdy; thus, are suitable for work in the field.
Economical: Requires low maintenance and Less feed and more work output.
In those areas where there is equal prominence of dairy and agricultural requirements, Rathi cows prove to be very significant.

7. Ongole: The Strength Symbol

The The Ongole cow , native to Andhra Pradesh, is known for its power and endurance, hence it is a preferred form of draft animal.

Key Features:
Milk Yield: Moderate, milk yield is 3-5 liters daily.
Hardy Nature: The breed is hardy and adapted to severe climatic conditions and resistant to diseases.
Breeding Value: Much in demand to be cross bred-animal due to it’s genetic. Ongole Cow is a draft breed of cow, but the milk produced by Ongole Cow is pure and hygienic.

8. Kankrej: The Desert Star

The Kankrej cow ,which comes from Gujarat and Rajasthan, is a dual-purpose breed that’s popular because of its hardiness and productivity.

Key Features:
Milk Production: 8 to 10 Liter per day.
Climate Adaptability: It can live and produce in the arid and semi-arid areas
Work Efficiency: Since it is tough, it is often used for farming work.

Milk from this breed of cow has a high nutrition content and this is the reason why it is preferred by most of the dairy farmers.