Sahiwal Cattle

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Category: Indian Agriculture | Animal Husbandry | Biodiversity

UPSC Notes

Sahiwal is an indigenous zebu cattle breed originating in the region historically known as Montgomery, now associated with Sahiwal in Punjab, Pakistan. The breed is widely valued for its milk production, heat tolerance and adaptation to tropical conditions.

It is important in India's indigenous cattle-breed conservation and dairy-development programmes.

Key Pointers

  • Species: Bos indicus (zebu cattle).

  • Origin: Sahiwal region of the Punjab area of the Indian subcontinent.

  • Typical coat: Reddish-brown to reddish.

  • Distinctive traits: Heat tolerance, adaptability and relatively good resistance to some local environmental stresses.

  • Economic importance: Milk production and use in crossbreeding programmes.

  • Conservation relevance: Maintaining indigenous genetic resources.

  • Challenges: Declining purebred populations in some areas, indiscriminate crossbreeding and rising feed costs.

  • Related programmes: Rashtriya Gokul Mission and other livestock-development initiatives.

Mains angle: Indigenous breeds can contribute to climate-resilient livestock systems, but conservation must be supported by scientific breeding, veterinary services and farmer incentives.