Most famous cattle breeds in Pakistan

Dairy animals are considered as the backbone of the livestock industry. In Pakistan, the main dairy breeds are cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats. Cattle are major contributors to milk production in the country. Different cattle breeds are present in many parts of the country. These animals are kept for domestic use as well as raise on the commercial level.

There are more than fifteen cattle breeds are present in Pakistan but there are four most famous cattle breeds which have been recognized both national and international level.

Sahiwal

The most famous cattle breed is Sahiwal. These are the most famous breed due to its excellent milk production, breeding ability, and heat tolerance. This breed is not only famous in Pakistan but it has been also exported to many countries like Australia and India. Sahiwal breeds are now used for beef production in Australia due to its lean carcass quality.

Here are some characteristics of Sahiwal cattle;

1) Excellent breeding capability

2) Longer reproduction life (up to 20 years)

3) Drought tolerant

4) unexceptional milk production

5) Excellent meat and fat cover

Red Sindhi

This breed is originated from the Sindh province of Pakistan also called Red Karachi. This breed possesses high breeding and genetic potential as compared to the Sahiwal breed. Females are different from males due to skin colors normally deep and rich red color. The average milk production ranges from 1840 kg under good management conditions. Red Sindhi is prone to heat and diseases hence it is transported to many foreign countries like the USA, Australia, Brazil, and Srilanka. 

Some characteristics of Red Sindhi;

1) High milk yield

2) Drought resistant

3) Excellent breeding ability

Cholistani

One of the best cattle breed known for its excellent heat resistant and drought resistant capabilities Cholistani breed is a Zebra breed mainly present in the Bahawalpur region of Pakistan. Due to their larger frame size, these are often used for meat purposes. The average age of the animal is 300 to 400 kg. The females are excellent in milk production with an average of 15-18 liters per day. 

Characteristics of Cholistani;

1) Thermotolerant

2) Excellent and lean body fat

3) Drought tolerance

Achai

This breed is mainly found in KhyberPakhtunKhawa (KPK) Province of Pakistan but the home tract extends to adjoining parts of Afghanistan. Both males and females are of small size which is used for draught purpose and milk production. The average milk yield is 4 liters per day. The breed is highly capable of tolerant extreme weather conditions.

Other famous breeds  are Dhani breed, Tharparker breed, Bhagnari, Djal, Lohani, Rojhan, and Kankrej.