Introduction:
The earliest settlers of the Sahiwal were the initially established in the dry Punjab region that lies along the border between India and Pakistan.
Due to their heat intolerance and excessive milk production, well known for their high quality meat, they have been exported to various foreign nations as well as Africa and the Caribbean. As cattle, they are generally docile and lethargic, enabling them to be used in many slow tasks.
The Sahiwal cow is a popular dairy breed in Pakistan and India, and has been exported to several other countries, including the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The breed has been used in crossbreeding programs in many countries, and has contributed to the development of several other dairy breeds, including the Australian Illawarra Shorthorn and the American Milking Shorthorn.
Characteristics of Sahiwal Cow:
The color of Sahiwal reddish brown to red with touches of white at various place of neck. The male breed is familiar of dropping ears and color to the head neck, legs and tail is become dark. The male hunch is large but in the female hunch is nominal.
Some featured are noted below
- There height and width is 136 and 120 cm both male and female.
- Weights for adults in the measurable range of 400 to 500 kg and reaching up to the measurable range of 700 to 800 kg.
- Forehead of this Sahiwal is somewhat high and head has been small.
- The calf weights at birth range from 22 to 28 kg.
- It takes between 3 and 3.5 years for a new calf to be born.
- The milk of the Sahiwal cows contains 4.5 percent fat.
- Horns are strong yet small in size.
- They vary from moderate in amount to high in length.
- Umbilicus skin becomes soft and slack when completely surrounded.
- Udder is large and dangles downward.
- The tail of Sahiwal cow is long and it can touch the land
- The cow has the capacity to offer 12-15 kg of milk daily and 3000-4000 kg of milk annually.
How much milk does a Sahiwal cow give?
Sahiwals are one of the breeds of Zebu cattle, known for its ability to supply high-quality milk with a very high fat content.
According to KARI (Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute), research has shown the breed is a good milk producer – compared to other local breeds and it has capable of an average of producing about 8-10kgs per day, with 4.5% fat contents in the milk, within an average period of 10 months. It has larger teats compared to other Zebu breeds, for making milking easier.
Advantage of Sahiwal Cow
There are many reasons why Sahiwal cows are advantage over other types of cows.
- The Sahiwal cow is also resistant to some diseases, so it is a good choice for farmers who raise livestock.
- It is impermeable against ticks and parasites, and resistant to both external and internal heat.
- Sahiwal cows produce less methane, a greenhouse gas, than other cows.
- High milk yield potential with a low level of butter fat content of about 4.5%
- Milk production will be determined on the basis of the level of feeding given to the Sahiwl and other arrangement.
- Better for grazing on zero.
Disadvantage of Sahiwal Cow :
The Sahiwal is a cow that is mostly used for dairy products in Pakistan. However, there are some disadvantages to using this cow.
- Firstly, Sahiwal is a Heavy feeder cow,
- Secondly its need (min 60 liters/day) clean water.
- Thirdly also requires high level management
Frequently Asked Questions :
1. What is the primary settlement of the Sahiwal?
The primary settlement of the Sahiwal in the dry Punjab region that lies along the border between India and Pakistan.
2. What are the main characteristics of the Sahiwal cow?
The main characteristics of the Sahiwal cow are its high milk yield, its resistance to heat and its ability to adapt to different types of grazing.
3. What is the color of Sahiwal?
The cows are reddish brown in color.
4. What is the weight of Sahiwal cows?
Medium-sized breed, average body weight between 400 and 500 kg. And mature cows average body weight between 700 and 800 kg.
In conclusion:
Sahiwal cows are an excellent choice for dairy production. They are a hardy breed that is well-adapted to hot climates. Sahiwal cows produce high-quality milk with a high butterfat content. They are also good mothers and have a high degree of fertility. If you are looking for a dairy cow that can produce high-quality milk in a hot climate, the Sahiwal cow is a good choice.