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Ever heard of the famous “Sahiwal Cattle”? You probably have. As there are hundreds of cattle breeds out there, you might have never gotten a chance to get to know this cattle breed thoroughly. Sahiwal cattle is a worth-knowing breed that deserves a detailed discussion.
Sahiwal cattle is a dual-purpose cattle breed that originates from a city named Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan.
The livestock farmers in Pakistan take pride in owning Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Hariana, Tharparkar, Gir, Ongole, Kankrej cattle breeds.
One of the above cattle breeds, especially Sahiwal cattle can be spotted on large, medium, and small scale farms in Pakistan and several other countries of the world. Since its supernatural qualities have taken the world by storm, you should not remain neglected and unaware.
In this article, we would be enlightening our readers about Sahiwal cattle.
By the end of this read, you would be able to tell the history of this extraordinary cattle breed, how they look, what is their average weight and height, what are they famous for? And everything else that not every reader on this website right now may not know. So, without further ado, let’s engage in a meaningful discussion.
History of Sahiwal Cattle
The famous “Sahiwal Cattle” history is no mystery to us, it belongs to a city located in central Punjab called Sahiwal(Pakistan).
Back in the days, when this cattle breed with supernatural qualities had yet to steal the show, was kept and raised by the local herdsmen that are referred to as “Charwahas” or “Jaangles” in Punjab, Pakistan.
As the irrigation system was introduced, the Sahiwal Cattle began serving the local farmers as dairy and draught animals.
The Word of mouth got out and the first Sahiwal cattle were exported to Australia in 1950.
It was the beginning of their era, the supernatural milking abilities, heat tolerance, and other exceptional qualities brought them to the limelight and they started being demanded in other countries as well.
The most population of Sahiwal cattle is residing in the five cities of Pakistan (Sahiwal, Okara, Multan, Pakpattan, and Faisalabad), India, Australia, Bangladesh whereas, the noticeable number of Sahiwal cattle can also be found in Africa, the Caribbean, and some Asian countries as well.
Body Appearance of Sahiwal Cattle
As the exceptional breed, coming from an underdeveloped country is admired by the World, the appearance needs to be discussed in detail.
Head and neck
Starting from the topmost part of the body, head, and neck, the Sahiwal cattle’s head is located between the two medium-sized horns.
The Sahiwal cattle’s horns are perfectly medium-sized, shorter than the Kankrej and Thari cattle breeds. The head, forehead, muzzle, and neck are just similar to the other cattle breeds except for the loose skin along the lower part of the neck. The loose skin part is called dewlap and “Jhalar” in Pakistan. (Source)
Topline
To enlighten our reader what topline is, it’s the part of the cow’s body starting from the withers and moving down to the pin bones.
Topline includes chine, loin, and rump. The chine and loin are called “back” whereas the rump is the area that starts with the cow’s hips and ends on “pin bones”.
The back (chine and loin) is just similar to the other cattle breeds whereas the hips are large, bony, with two prominent bones sticking out from each side. These bones are called Hips bones or hooks.
Feet And Legs
As cows are ruminants, they have four legs and split toes hooved feet. The Sahiwal Cattle are structured similarly.
Like all cattle breeds, the legs extend from hoof to thural joint of the rump. The legs are medium-sized and can have the same color slightly darker shade than the rest of the body.
Body and chest
The body and the chest are no exception, these two parts look exactly similar to the regular cattle breeds. Like all dairy cows, they have been blessed with a large heart girth and a chest.
In general, the Sahiwal cattle are medium-sized, fleshy, and heavily built. They usually have medium-sized(not more than five inches)stumpy horns.
The males are rather more fleshy and heavier than the females, they can be identified by their massive hump and fine loose skin underneath the neck.
Weight
As per the general assumption, the average male can go up to 1,100 kgs whereas the females hardly achieve 720 kgs maximum. For the Sahiwal cattle, the average male and female weight is estimated to be 500 kgs and 425 kgs.
Height
As far as the height is concerned, the Sahiwal cattle are medium-sized. As per the rough estimate, the Sahiwal cattle can be more or less 145 cm, which is also said to be the height of an average-sized cattle.
Coat color
The Sahiwal cattle appear in shades of red. Usually reddish dun, pale red, and reddish-brown. The Sahiwal Cattle can also have white or black color splashes over their body.
Distinguishing feature
Animal enthusiasts can extract several distinguishing features but the long, deep well-developed udders catch the viewer’s attention first.
Common names
As the livestock keeper takes pride in having Sahiwal cattle, they are adored by several nicknames including; Montgomery, Lambi Bar, Multani, and Teli. Besides “Sahiwal cattle”, they are also formally known as “Mint Kumre”.
Common Uses of Sahiwal Cattle breed
In its country of origin, Pakistan, the Sahiwal cattle are being used for dairy purposes and as a draft animal. The rest of the world except India is recognized and raised for the said purposes as well. In India, it is often kept as an ornament or for its milking abilities.
Cost
This extraordinary Sahiwal cattle breed can be bought from any village or city of Pakistan under Rs. 90,000. Typically in Punjab, it is being sold for Rs. 60,000 to 75000.
Quick Facts about Sahiwal Cattle
Sahiwal Cattle have great heat-tolerance
As this extraordinary cattle breed comes from a dry region it has great heat tolerance. Some regular cow breeds are sensitive to heat but Sahiwal cattle can do exceptionally well in the heat. They are cool temperate by nature as rarely need cow nose rings for handling.
It is a breed of zebu cattle
Sahiwal cattle is an ornamental breed of Zebu cattle. The Zebu cattle are exceptional riding, draught, and companion animals. The Zebus are excellent meat and milk producers as well. Probably because of their background, the Sahiwal cattle are remarkable milk and meat producers.
It is considered one of the best breed of Asia
Sahiwal cattle, because of leaner meat and supernatural milk production, is considered one of the best cattle breeds of Asia. The other cattle breeds are Bachaur, Baladi, Amrit Mahal, Bengali, Kankrej, Lohani, Sarabi, Sharabi, Dajal, Deoni, and Karan Fries, a lot of others.(Source)
It is known for high milk yields
As they have well-developed udders, Sahiwal Cattle are excellent milk producers. One Sahiwal cow can produce 14 liters of milk a day. A Sahiwal cow that participated in a milk competition held in Pakistan produced 40 liters in a day. For this reason, they are famous for high milk yields.
Sahiwal cattle can reproduce up to 20 years
Sahiwal cattle is just exceptional and rewarding in all senses whether it’s milk production, meat, or reproduction. A healthy, well-pampered Sahiwal cattle can reproduce up to 20 years whereas a regular breed hardly goes above the digit 10.
Australian livestock keepers prefer Sahiwal cattle for their leaner meat
As mentioned above, a huge number of Sahiwal cattle are residing in Australia. The Australian livestock keepers keep and raise Sahiwal cattle for their leaner meat. Like milk production, Sahiwal cattle are quite fleshy, a huge amount of meat can be obtained from them.
Sahiwal cattle can have white patches
Some Sahiwal cattle do have white patches, though it’s rare but not as rare as AB negative blood group. Most of the Sahiwal cattle have plain reddish dun, pale red, and reddish-brown coats like Scottish cattle breeds..
Sahiwal Cattle is the main source of earning for several livestock keepers in Punjab, Pakistan
Cattle farming is an occupation of several breadwinners of the families in Pakistan. They make money from selling milk. Sahiwal cattle are often brought and raised at cattle farms as they produce milk in huge quantities. Thus this specific cattle breed is the main source of earning for several livestock keepers in Punjab, Pakistan.
Sahiwal cattle holds a position on the list of “21 best cow breeds found in India”
Let alone the top 21 best cow breeds found in India, Sahiwal cattle is often included in the list of best cattle breeds of Asia. The highly nutritional milk and meat brought Sahiwal cattle to such lists.
It is recognized as the heaviest milker of the Zebu breed
The zebu cattle breed is regarded as excellent milk producers and Sahiwal cattle tops the list because of its remarkable milk production. The other healthy Zebu breeds produce 1 or 1.5 gallons of milk a day.
Pro Tip;
One gallon can hold 3.785 liters.
Like most female cows, the females get dehorned at a young age
Even though the Sahiwal cattle are not that aggressive, they are hardly seen hurting fellow animals or humans. Despite being gentle and calm, as per the tradition the Sahiwal cows get dehorned at a young age. Dehorning is the removal of horns, it is typically performed by the professional.
There are several dehorning methods; caustic paste dehorning, hot-iron disbudding, knife dehorning, Barnes dehorning, keystone dehorning, obstetrical dehorning, hand saw dehorning, and Tube, Cup, or spoon dehorning.
All of these above-mentioned methods are painful but it makes the milking process less risky. Dehorning performed at a younger age hurts less.
The males have darker humps and necks
The Sahiwal cows rarely have darker parts but the bulls usually have darker humps and necks, sometimes even legs. The rest of the body is just reddish dun or pale reddish. Read more fact about Can Male Cows Produce Milk?
Sahiwal cows are quite hardy
Sahiwal cattle do not just tolerate the heat well, their background makes them strong enough to survive almost any situation or weather.
They do not require highly nutritional food to produce the same quantity of milk. Because of their ability to survive rough and tough situations, it would not be wrong to call them “hardy” at all.
As per the tradition, the worth-sharing information is served, it’s time to answer the most Googled questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Sahiwal cattle originate from India?
No, it originates from a city named Sahiwal in Punjab, Pakistan. It is widely distributed in India but for the record, it belongs to the rival of India, Pakistan.
What are the popular cattle breeds in Pakistan?
Several cattle breeds are famous for a variety of reasons but the most demanded cattle breeds in Pakistan are; Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, Hariana, Gir, Ongole, Kankrej, and Sahiwal cattle breeds.
What is Sahiwal Cattle famous for?
Sahiwal cattle are popular because of their leaner meat and excellent milking ability. As far as appearance is concerned, the well-developed udders are what they get recognized by.
Which cow is best for milk in Pakistan?
Sahiwal cow. It is known for producing a minimum of 14 liters of milk every day. The healthy, well-pampered Sahiwal cow can even produce more than that. The other regular breeds may not even produce more than 4 liters a day.
Which Pakistani cattle breed is called Lola?
Sahiwal cattle breed is famous among the natives as Lola. Let alone the said name, it is also famous with several other names; Lambi Bar, Montgomery, Multani, and Teli.
Summary
Sahiwal cattle is an extraordinary cattle breed that is famous for it’s excellent milking ability, leaner meat, hardiness, and fast growth. This exceptional breed originates from a city named Sahiwal in Punjab, Pakistan. Besides the country of origin, this cattle breed can widely be seen in India, Australia, and Bangladesh.
In Pakistan, most of the Sahiwal Cattle are residing in Sahiwal, Okara, Multan, Pakpattan, and Faisalabad. This cattle breed is adored by various names including Lambi Bar, Montgomery, Multani, and Teli. An average Sahiwal cattle can produce 14 litres of milk every day whereas the regular breeds hardly produce three or four litres a day. Besides Sahiwal cattle, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, Hariana, Gir, Ongole, Kankrej are the famous cattle breeds of Pakistan.
