Different Types of Cow Breeds in India: Indian Cattle Breeds & Desi Cow Varieties

When you think of India, what comes to mind? Spices, festivals, Bollywood? Well, let me add one more to that list—cows! Not just any cows, but the incredible variety that makes up the backbone of India’s agriculture and dairy industry. From the desi cow breeds that have been here for centuries to the exotic ones that joined later, our country is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating cattle you’ll ever meet.

In fact, the sheer types of cows in India will surprise you—some are known for giving rich, creamy milk, some for their unmatched strength in fields, and some that balance both (the true multitaskers!). If you’ve ever wondered which is the best cow breed in India for dairy or what unique cow variety in India thrives where, you’re in for a treat.

So, let’s dive into the world of Indian cattle breeds—classified into dairy, draught, and dual-purpose—with a sprinkle of history, interesting facts, and yes, even their “milk CVs” (because, let’s be honest, we all want to know about that yield ).

Classification of Indian Cattle Breeds

India doesn’t just have “one type” of cow; it’s a full-blown dairy directory out here! Broadly, the different types of cows in India can be classified into three categories:

1. Best Dairy Breeds of Cattle in India – These are the superstar milk producers, known for their high yield and quality. If you’ve ever enjoyed a creamy cup of chai, chances are it came from one of these cows.
2. Best Draught Breeds of Cattle in India – Not every cow is about milk. Some are the farmers’ true companions—tough, resilient, and strong, perfect for ploughing fields and pulling carts.
3. Best Dual-Purpose Breeds of Cattle in India – Think of these as the multitasking moms. They provide good milk while also being sturdy enough to help with draught work.

And yes, apart from our beloved desi cow breeds, we also have exotic breeds of cattle in India—imported varieties that adapt well to Indian conditions and give impressive yields.

Best Dairy Breeds of Cattle in India: Origin, Milk Yield, Lactation Period etc

When we talk about the best cow breed in India for dairy, these are the stars that come to mind. They’ve been loved by farmers for generations because of their adaptability, resilience, and of course, delicious, nutrient-rich milk.

1. Sahiwal

• Origin: Punjab (India-Pakistan border region)
• Synonyms: Lola, Montgomery, Multani
• Lactation Period: Around 280–300 days
• Milk Yield: 2,500–3,000 liters per lactation (some high performers go up to 4,000 liters!)
• Fun fact: Known as one of the best desi cow breeds, Sahiwal cows are heat-tolerant and rarely fall sick.

2. Red Sindhi

• Origin: Sindh region (now in Pakistan)
• Synonyms: Malir, Karachi, Sindhi
• Lactation Period: 270–300 days
• Milk Yield: 1,700–2,600 liters per lactation
• Fun fact: Their milk has high butterfat content, making them perfect for ghee and sweets.

3. Gir

• Origin: Gir forest region of Gujarat
• Synonyms: Kathiawari, Surati, Desan
• Lactation Period: 300–320 days
• Milk Yield: 2,000–3,500 liters per lactation
• Fun fact: Gir cows are not just productive but also extremely affectionate—farmers often treat them like family pets.

Best Draught Breeds of Cattle in India

1. Amrit Mahal

• Origin: Karnataka
• Synonyms: Doddadana, Jawari Dana
• Lactation Period: Not significant for dairy use
• Milk Yield: Very low, primarily draught breed
• Speciality: Famous for speed and endurance, often used in military transport in olden days.

2. Hallikar

• Origin: Karnataka (especially Tumkur & Hassan districts)
• Synonyms: Halli, Mysore breed
• Lactation Period: Minimal
• Milk Yield: About 500–700 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Extremely sturdy—ideal for ploughing rocky and uneven terrains.

3. Khillari

• Origin: Maharashtra (Satara, Sangli districts)
• Synonyms: Mhaswad Khillari
• Lactation Period: Very short
• Milk Yield: Around 500 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Recognized for speed and stamina, often seen in bullock cart races.

4. Kangayam

• Origin: Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore, Erode regions)
• Synonyms: Kongu breed
• Lactation Period: Minimal
• Milk Yield: Around 600–800 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Compact, strong, and muscular—farmers love them for heavy draught work.

5. Vechur

• Origin: Kerala
• Synonyms: Dwarf cattle
• Lactation Period: 200–250 days
• Milk Yield: 400–500 liters per lactation (but milk is very high in medicinal value!)
• Speciality: Smallest cow breed in the world, highly disease-resistant.

6. Umblacherry

• Origin: Tamil Nadu (Nagapattinam district)
• Synonyms: Jathi madu
• Lactation Period: Very short
• Milk Yield: 500–600 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Medium-sized, perfect for light agricultural work and cart pulling.

7. Bargur

• Origin: Tamil Nadu (Erode district, Bargur hills)
• Synonyms: Bargur hill cattle
• Lactation Period: Negligible
• Milk Yield: 400–500 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Excellent for working in hilly terrains, very active and aggressive by nature.

Best Dual-Purpose Breeds of Cattles in India

1. Ongole

• Origin: Andhra Pradesh (Prakasam district)
• Synonyms: Nellore cattle
• Lactation Period: 280–300 days
• Milk Yield: 1,000–1,200 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Known for strength, disease resistance, and even exported to Brazil for cross-breeding.

2. Deoni

• Origin: Maharashtra (Latur, Osmanabad districts)
• Synonyms: Dongari, Deccani
• Lactation Period: 280 days
• Milk Yield: 1,000–1,200 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Hardy and tolerant to harsh weather, suitable for both ploughing and milking.

3. Kankrej

• Origin: Gujarat and Rajasthan (Kankrej region)
• Synonyms: Wadhiar, Bannai
• Lactation Period: 270–290 days
• Milk Yield: 1,200–1,400 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Very popular in cattle fairs; strong, good draught capacity, and steady milk producers.

4. Tharparkar

• Origin: Rajasthan (Thar desert)
• Synonyms: White Sindhi, Grey Sindhi
• Lactation Period: 280–300 days
• Milk Yield: 1,700–1,800 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Heat and drought resistant—lifesaver in desert climates.

5. Hariana

• Origin: Haryana
• Synonyms: Hansi cattle
• Lactation Period: 250–275 days
• Milk Yield: 600–800 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Slim but powerful; excellent ploughing breed with moderate milk yield.

Exotic Breeds of Cattles in India

1. Jersey

• Origin: Jersey Island (UK)
• Synonyms: Channel Island cattle
• Lactation Period: 280–300 days
• Milk Yield: 4,000–5,000 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Known for rich, creamy milk with high butterfat (perfect for ghee and sweets).

2. Holstein Friesian

• Origin: Netherlands
• Synonyms: HF cattle
• Lactation Period: 305 days
• Milk Yield: 6,000–7,000 liters per lactation
• Speciality: The best cow breed in India for large-scale dairy farming due to its unmatched milk output.

3. Brown Swiss

• Origin: Switzerland
• Synonyms: Braunvieh
• Lactation Period: 300–310 days
• Milk Yield: 4,000–5,500 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Balanced milk with high protein and butterfat—ideal for cheese making.

4. Ayrshire

• Origin: Scotland
• Synonyms: Dunlop cattle
• Lactation Period: 280–300 days
• Milk Yield: 4,000–4,500 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Hardy breed, adapts well to Indian climates, gives good quality milk.

5. Guernsey

• Origin: Channel Islands (UK)
• Synonyms: Golden Guernsey
• Lactation Period: 280–290 days
• Milk Yield: 3,000–4,500 liters per lactation
• Speciality: Produces golden-yellow milk rich in beta-carotene (super healthy and attractive).

Important Facts About the Types of Cows in India 

• Sacred Value: In India, cows are more than livestock—they’re deeply tied to culture, tradition, and spirituality. The “Gau Mata” is worshipped and protected in many households.
• Eco-Friendly Helpers: Desi cow breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, and Hallikar produce A2 milk, considered healthier and easier to digest compared to A1 milk from some exotic breeds.
• Drought-Friendly Breeds: India’s native cattle are tough! Breeds like Amrit Mahal and Kangayam thrive even in hot, dry conditions where exotic cows might struggle.
• Dual Benefits: Some Indian cattle breeds (like Ongole and Tharparkar) are “dual-purpose,” meaning they give good milk and are strong enough for fieldwork.
• Global Fame: Breeds like Gir and Ongole are exported worldwide because of their adaptability and high-quality genetics.
• Cow Dung Gold: Apart from milk, cows contribute to Indian households with gobar gas, natural fertilizers, and even medicinal uses in Ayurveda.

Conclusion

So, when we talk about the different types of cows in India, it’s not just about milk or farming—it’s about culture, resilience, and sustainability. From the high-yielding dairy stars like Sahiwal and Gir, to the tough-as-nails drought breeds like Hallikar and Kangayam, and the dual-purpose champs like Ongole and Tharparkar, every Indian cattle breed has a story to tell.

And yes, while exotic cows like Jersey and Holstein have carved their place in Indian dairies, our desi cow breeds remain unmatched for their adaptability and heritage value.

At the end of the day, whether you’re a farmer, a milk lover, or just curious about rural India, knowing the types of cows in India gives you a peek into how deeply animals shape our economy, food, and culture. Because here, cows aren’t just cattle, they’re family.