Category: Cattle Information

If you’re in the market for cows for dairy farming, then you’ve come to the right place. Pakistan has a long and proud history of dairy farming, and we’ve rounded up the best breeds for optimal production. Read on to discover which cows are best suited for your needs!

Introduction to Dairy Farming in Pakistan

Pakistan is a country that relies heavily on its livestock sector, with milk being the largest and single most important commodity. In recent years, commercial dairy farming has become a viable business proposition for peri-urban areas of the country due to high demand for milk in these areas.

Crossbred animals are mostly preferred for commercial dairy farms as they produce more milk than their local counterparts like Sahiwal and Red Sindhi cows. It is worth noting that eight Pakistani milking animals produce the same amount of milk as one milking animal from a developed country.

Currently, there are 8 million farming households in Pakistan with a total herd size of 29 million animals. Smallholder dairy farmers in Pakistan are usually unorganized and mostly carry out production and marketing independently from each other.

A typical rural commercial dairy farm running on a commercial basis consists of about 30 animals, 70% of which are females, including some cows. Furthermore, Pakistan has started modern dairy farming by importing global cow breeds mainly Holstein Frisian of different origins.

Types of Cows Suitable for Dairy Farming in Pakistan

Pakistan is home to many indigenous breeds of cows that are highly suited for profitable dairy farming. The top 5 breeds of cows for dairy farming in Pakistan are Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Red Sindhi, and Dutch Holstein Friesian. These breeds are known for their high milk production rates and low maintenance costs, making them a great option for peri-urban areas with higher milk demand. In addition, they require less capital investment to set up a Controlled Shed Dairy Farm with 100 cows. A typical rural commercial dairy farm can consist of up to 30 animals, including some cows and 70% female animals. Pakistan is also fortunate enough to have two of the best sub-tropical buffalo breeds in the world – Nili-Ravi and Sahiwal – which are known for their strong dairy merits. All these factors make these indigenous breeds ideal for successful dairy farming in the country.

Holstein Friesian Cow

The Holstein Frisian is a world-renowned dairy cow that originates from the Netherlands, the second-largest agricultural exporter in the world. This breed has been perfected to produce more than 100,000kgs of milk and 10,000kgs of fats and proteins during its lifetime with an average supreme quality.

In Pakistan, setting up a dairy farm with 100 cows requires an investment of approximately Rs.31%. Initially a dual-purpose breed used for both dairy and beef production, Dutch and German breeders developed it to maximize its potential. The country produces 65 million litres of cow’s milk per year, accounting for one-third of the total milk produced in the country. Organic farms producing milk for systems that recompense milk volume benefit from using higher yielding cows like Holstein Friesian.

These cows are resistant to stress and have a herd mentality; they are not solitary animals. They also enjoy the privilege of being one of the most modern dairy setups in Pakistan with 1500 heads in their herd. Additionally, crossbreeds have been developed by combining different breeds like Jersey, Brown Swiss or Holstein Friesian for even better results.

Jersey Cow

Commercial dairy farming is a lucrative business opportunity for the peri-urban areas of Pakistan, as there is a higher demand for milk in these areas. Cows must calve to produce milk and the lactation cycle is the period between first calving and the next calving. Small holder dairy farms in the humid tropics with good feeding and management can get excellent yields. The Sahiwal breed of zebu cattle symbolizes the best germplasm in India and Pakistan as far as dairy merits are concerned due to its tick-resistance, heat-tolerance, high resistance to parasites, and excellent milk yield of 20 litres/day. Crossbred dairy cattle have been imported from Denmark to further increase milk production. By using individual animal identification systems and production systems, we help livestock farmers become some of the best performing farmers in organic dairy farms producing milk. Rustic Holstein-Friesian cows with an age at first calving of 26-30 months provides an average yield of 5000-8000 kgs/lactation cycle which rewards milk volume producers more than other breeds.

Sahiwal Cow

The Sahiwal is a breed of zebu cattle that originated from the Sahiwal District of Pakistan. It has since become one of the best dairy breeds in India and Pakistan due to its heat tolerance, high milk production and calm demeanor when it comes to milking. Its genetic and environmental causes of variation in body weight and reproduction, as well as its relationship to other breeds in the region, have been studied extensively. The Sahiwal cow is known for its high milk yield, producing up to eight litres per day. This makes it a friend to dairy farmers, yet it is also a conservator of the breed that deserves recognition for its contributions. Through pedigree and performance records from Allahdad Cattle Farm in Jahanian, District Multan, the importance of this breed continues to be highlighted as it expands beyond India and Pakistan into other Asian countries as well as Africa.

Red Sindhi Cow

The Red Sindhi is a hardy, heat-resistant breed of zebu cattle originating in the Sindh province of Pakistan. This breed has spread to many parts of the world due to its high milk yields and has been used for dairy production in Pakistan, India, Canada, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Africa. On average, these cows produce 12 liters of milk per day – making them a valued source of dairy products. They are also referred to as Red Karachi, Sindhi and Mahi and were originally reared in Karachi and Hyderabad regions of undivided India. Pakistani livestock production is heavily reliant on Red Sindhi cattle for dairy purposes – both purebreds and crossbreeds have been known to calve normally.

Droughtmaster Cow

Beef cattle in Pakistan have been traditionally raised for producing bullocks, with breeds such as the Australian Droughtmaster being popular choices. However, due to a lack of means to identify the best animals, the best young males are often sold for beef. To make the most out of these animals, genetic merit is evaluated using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP), with three main breeds – Hereford, Shorthorn and Droughtmaster – being used. These breeds are also known for their tick-tolerance.

The Droughtmaster is a large breed that matures at medium-to-slightly late stages. In Malaysia, Dutch Holstein Friesian cows are bred for beef production and profit. To make use of collated information on production traits for grazing beef cattle, it is important to have knowledge on development strategies like genetic evaluation of cattle and buffalo.

In 2003, the Lai Sind herd accounted for 30% of the total cattle population in Pakistan and was seen as good genetic material for dairy development. The Sindhi cattle from this herd produced some of the best results when crossbred with Bhagnari or other British breeds like Dairy Shorthorn.

Guernsey Cow

The Guernsey cow is the ideal breed for intensive, pasture-based milk production. Mature cows weigh 1,300 to 1,500 lbs and produce high-quality milk with a butterfat content of 5% and a protein content of 3.7%. Every year, the 15 dairy farms on Guernsey keep around 2,500 cows and farm almost 8,000 vergees of land for dairy production. On average, each cow produces 6,000 litres of milk per year. For organic farmers looking for highly productive cattle breeds, the cross-breeding of Holstein-Friesian and local breeds is a great option.

The Sahiwal is another high-quality dairy breed with attributes like tick resistance, heat tolerance and an impressive resistance to parasites. Many tropical countries prefer Normande cows as they are known for their dual purpose capabilities; being both vigorous and good at foraging. Ayrshire milk also stands out due to its 4.1% butterfat content. No matter what type of cow you are looking for, these three breeds make excellent choices when it comes to producing quality milk..

Brown Swiss Cow

The Dutch Holstein Friesian cow is a top choice for both small-scale and commercial dairy operations in Holland. This breed is known for their robustness, prolific breeding, long life span, strong build, adaptability and well-balanced hooves and limbs. A mature Holstein cow typically weighs 1,300-1,500 lbs and can produce between 7200-9000 kgs of milk during its first lactation. Crossbreeding indigenous cattle with exotic breeds like the Holstein has been underway in Pakistan for the last four decades to create crossbreeds which inherit traits from breeds like Jersey, Brown Swiss or Holstein Friesian. Veepro Holland is the Information Center for Dutch breeding cattle and small Dutch Holstein Friesian cows have their origin in the high-quality genetic selection that has been made over decades. The Holstein breed is widely regarded as one of the best in the world when it comes to milk production.

Ayrshire Cow

The Ayrshire is a moderate butterfat breed known for its high milk production, with top producing Ayrshires regularly exceeding 20,000 pounds of milk in their lactations. In Pakistan, crossbreeding activity began on military dairy farms in the 1970s and Ayrshires are now becoming the number one choice. The proposed pre-feasibility is for the establishment of Dairy Cattle Farms in Pakistan, which has a wide scope of Milk Production and ranks 3rd in the world. While Holsteins are the most common breed used for milk production due to their large size and black spots, Ayrshires offer excellent pasture performance and are ideal for small-scale farmers. Around 90-98% of cows milked in study areas were indigenous Bos Indicus cattle, while other 2-10% were crossbred Bos Taurus cattle including those with Ayrshire genes. There are 8 million farming households in Pakistan with a total herd size of 50 million animals, making it one of the highest cattle densities in the world. The Ayrshire breed was developed in the county of Ayr, Scotland and where cattle management is good they can perform up to 33% better than other breeds such as Sahiwal and Ahlawat.

Conclusion

Pakistan is home to a large population of dairy livestock, making it one of the top-five countries in milk production. However, these animals have low milk yields due to poor farming practices. In order to modernize dairy farming and increase milk production, there is a need for better breed diversity and improved farming techniques.

Currently, buffalo contribute the most to total milk production in Pakistan, followed by cattle and sheep/goat. Livestock production has increased by about 30% over the last few decades due to advancements in dairy farming methods. In the future, it is estimated that milk production per cow will double with the help of modernized dairying practices in developing countries like Pakistan.

Peri-urban areas have higher demand for milk, making commercial dairy farming a viable business proposition for these areas. With good farming experience and improved techniques, farmers can increase their yields and benefit from this industry.

If you’re curious about the special characteristics of cows in Pakistan, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll explore the unique traits that make Pakistani cows unique and talk about how they have adapted to their environment. We’ll also discuss why these cows are important for the country and what makes them such an integral part of Pakistani culture.

Introduction

Pakistan is home to 15 cattle breeds, including the Sahiwal, Red Sindhi and Cholistani. The Sahiwal is a breed of zebu cow, named after an area in the Punjab region of Pakistan. It has been bred for its milking ability in Pakistan and for its beefing qualities in Australia, and has been exported to Africa as well. Sahiwal cattle are deep bodied and powerful draft animals with a brownish red to greyish red coat. They have also been used as dairy animals due to their excellent milking qualities. In recent times, India and Pakistan have several diverse types of cattle, some with distinctive characteristics like body length that are rare in other local breeds.

Buffalo is the major dairy animal in Pakistan, contributing the most to total milk production followed by cattle and sheep/goat. To promote their economic traits, breeding programs have been developed for these animals. With this aim in mind, principal component analysis has been conducted on traits such as body length to improve the quality of Pakistani buffaloes.

Body Structure

Sahiwal cattle are an indigenous breed of dairy animals native to India and Pakistan. They have a medium-sized, compact body with lyre-shaped horns, and are usually white or light grey in color. Their hump is prominent, and the udder is small and tucked up against the body. The hooves and muzzle may be black or brown. Gaolao is a type of Sahiwal cattle.

Cattle are large, domesticated herbivores from the subfamily Bovinae. They were independently domesticated from wild aurochs in Turkey and are now found in many countries around the world. Cows have two cloven hooves (split into two toes), making them members of the order Artiodactyla. Cattle are significant for their production capabilities as well as their cultural role in many societies. There have been numerous breeds developed over time that differ in size, color, shape, conformation, milk production rate, resistance to diseases, etc., allowing farmers to select the best traits for their herds.

The heritability of body weight traits ranges from 0·08 to 0·21 in Sahiwal cattle, while milk production rates can reach up to 3.41 ± 1.53 liters per day on average for selected buffalo cows. Population structure of the breed shows considerable genetic variability among various populations which suggests that there is much potential for further development through selective breeding programs.

Hair Texture and Color

The Nelore is a breed of Bos indicus cattle native to India and Pakistan. It is recognizable by its white coat with a characteristic hump above its shoulders, as well as its loose skin. The horns are broad at the base and taper up and inward in a fish hook shape. Bulls are grey with dark colour in their hump, fore and hind quarters, while cows have smaller udders tucked up with the body. Hooves and muzzles are usually black or brown in colour.

The Holstein is the heaviest breed of dairy cow, known for its large udder and colour-related traits. Nelore cattle are also used for beef production, with production characteristics such as coat color (-0.06) and coat thickness influencing reproductive performance. Sahiwal cattle were once ordinary draft animals but their dairy qualities make them one of the best dairy animals existing in India and Pakistan today.

Head Shape and Horns

The Zebu cattle is a medium sized, strong dual-type animal originating from the lower Himalayas. It is migratory, with white fur and lyre-shaped horns. The head of the Zebu is of medium size, with a broad and flat forehead. Its horns are curved upward and inward, in a sickle shape. More than half of these cattle have short horns that are slightly curled and pointed in shape. They also possess pigmented skin, which adds to its distinctive black body. Horns are an important physical feature of these cows, being broad at the base while tapering upwards and inward (in a fish hook pattern). Due to breeding with polled foundation females in the US, some Gelbviehs have become naturally polled (without horns).

Dairy Production

Milk production in Pakistan is an important sector for the country’s agricultural industry. It is estimated that around 34 million tons of milk are produced annually, with 58 percent of that coming from buffaloes and 35 percent from cows. Small and medium-sized dairy farms are the primary source of this milk production, with an average farm consisting of 30 animals – 70 percent of which are female.

Cows and buffaloes are the major producers of milk in Pakistan, with cows providing a productive life span of about 8 years per animal. The Allahabad Agricultural Institute in India has been actively engaged in breeding cattle for dairy production purposes. One technique used to assess the quality of dairy cattle is linear scoring, which looks at a range of traits to determine overall suitability as a milk producer.

When compared to the developed world, however, Pakistan still lags behind in terms of overall dairy production; it is estimated that the country produces approximately 5-6 times less than those nations. This could be due to persistent drought conditions reducing lactation periods and resulting in lower quality and quantity of milk produced. Despite this, Pakistan remains committed to strengthening its dairy sector through initiatives like those provided by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda).

Feeding Habits

Cattle are a species of domesticated animals that have been selectively bred for centuries to provide humans with milk, meat, and labor. The most common cattle type is the dairy cow, which has been bred to produce high yields of milk. Cows also serve as draft animals and are used in many parts of the world to pull carts or plows. Cattle behavior can vary from individual to individual, especially when confronted with changes in diet or environment.

In this study, 340 dairy cows were identified and characterized into three different categories: 20% high efficient (HE), 20% low efficient (LE) and 60% mid efficient (ME). Milk composition varies significantly among species; for example, buffalo milk contains 58% more calcium and 40% more protein than cow milk but 43% less cholesterol.

The modern dairy cow was originally domesticated from aurochs—a wild bovine species—in the vicinity of Turkey, Sindh (Pakistan), Kutch, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer desert areas of India. Bullocks are slow workers but cows are good at feeding behavior and browsing on twigs. Beef cows graze on forage from grasslands to sustain themselves and raise a calf without any grain input. One unique feature inside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of these cows is cud chewing—the regurgitation and re-chewing of food—which helps them digest their food better. The Sahiwal cattle breed from India

Breeding Practices

Cattle in India and Pakistan have long been a source of important production traits like milk and fat yield, and body weight. The Sahiwal breed of zebu cattle are recognized for their dairy merits in both countries. They are powerful draft animals and have deep bodies. In recent times, further advances have been made in Indian and Pakistani cattle breeds with the introduction of the Kankrej breed. Results from farming systems show that these morphological characteristics significantly vary between sexes, particularly cows. Therefore, crossbreeding techniques such as breeding Red Sindhi bulls to higher producing Jersey cows at an early age can be utilized to improve production traits. In the USA, Brahman Breeds developed from Indian cattle germplasm are the basis of a successful meat industry. The Bhag Nari breed also has great potential to be a beef breed if advanced selection techniques are used. Visible characteristics of this breed include prominent humps, small tucked up udders, black or brown hooves and muzzles, and Gaolao horns. Unfortunately, there is no specific beef-cattle breed present in Pakistan yet; however, some local breeds do possess excellent characteristics as listed in Table 2.

Herding Behavior

The Holstein breed is one of the most popular dairy breeds in the world, with a history stretching back over 2000 years. It is renowned for its high milk production and other desirable traits. In this study, preferences of farmers for breeding goal traits with Danish Red (DR) or Danish Jersey (DJ) were characterized.

In developing countries like India and Pakistan, there are numerous types of cattle with unique characteristics. In the mountain regions of northern Pakistan, pastures are used to keep herds of sheep, goats, and cattle. Herding dogs have been bred to respond to the commands of herders in order to control these animals.

Selective breeding has played an important role in producing healthier and more productive cows. The first herd book was set up by a breeder at Villars near the village of Magny-Cours in 1864 for the Holstein breed. Heifers born on dairy farms are mostly reared for potential cow replacements rather than for meat production.

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that cow introductions in dairy herds affect milk production and behaviour of animals by taking into account various factors such as herd size, year, age, season, lactation length, days dry, days open and calving interval into consideration. The aim is to optimize cow and herd welfare in Asian countries by understanding dairy cow behaviour better.

Adaptability to Climate Changes

The dairy sector in Pakistan has been facing severe challenges and threats due to changing climatic conditions and inadequate fodder availability. In order to assess the impact of climate change on the sector, research was conducted to estimate the effects of implementing on-farm adaptation strategies for two staple crops: wheat and rice.

To have a better understanding of the attitudes of farmers towards adaptation to climate change, a well-structured questionnaire was used to interview 450 dairy households from three agro-ecological zones of Punjab province.

Ruminants, pigs and poultry are all susceptible to heat stress due to their high metabolic rate and growth. Holstein–Friesian dairy cows are renowned for their milk production but highly vulnerable to heat stress (HS). When the ambient temperature is over certain threshold, these animals can suffer from excessive heat load.

Climate change can directly hamper livestock productivity by reducing their morphological adaptive trait which imparts their adaptive ability. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns also have a drastic effect on livestock production. ADB initiatives in Pakistan are thus focusing on developing sector-specific adaptation technologies that can help reduce climate risks. Further research is needed in order to identify any potential gaps in this field.

Health Issues of Cows in Pakistan

In Pakistan, Bovine diseases and syndromes such as mastitis, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and hemorrhagic septicaemia are prevalent. These diseases are caused by Theileriosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis which are transmitted by blood-feeding insects. The clinical signs of these diseases include circular lesions on the skin of cattle and water buffaloes. In order to combat these issues, researchers have studied the genetic and environmental causes of variation in milk production traits of Sahiwal cattle. Other serious health issues in the country include Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Parturient Hemoglobinuria, Bovine Viral Diarrhea, and the spread of vector-borne diseases such as LSD.

In the US beef cattle industry there is a division between cow-calf producers and cattle feeding operations. The industry is also affected by persistent drought conditions which lead to reduced lactation periods and decreases in milk production quantity and quality. This has become a major issue for global cattle business with embargoes on international trade being imposed in response.

Disease Resistant Capacity in Pakistani Cows

Pakistan is home to a variety of cattle breeds, each with its own unique traits and advantages. The dry period for most breeds is generally 2-3 months, while the calving interval ranges from 13-15 months. Among these breeds, the Sahiwal breed of zebu cattle symbolizes the best germplasm in terms of disease resistance and adaptability to heat. In Balochistan and North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) buffalo meat is preferred to the cattle beef, as it is considered to be free of disease.

Cattle are an important species for livestock production and play a significant role in human culture. Unfortunately, four main TBDs (anaplasmosis, babesiosis, theileriosis, and cowdriosis/heartwater) affect bovines globally. It is believed that disease resistance in cattle depends on several factors including adaptability and environmental conditions.

The population of buffaloes, cattle, and goats in Pakistan has been steadily increasing over time (Table 2). This increase highlights the remarkable revolution in Pakistan’s dairy sector which has led to self-sufficiency in dairy house temperatures. Shakir Umer Gujjar, president of Pakistan’s Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association based in Karachi said that this increase will help create a more efficient dairy sector.

Significance of Cows in Pakistani Culture and History

Cattle are an integral part of the Indian and Pakistani economy, providing food, labor, and other products. They are among the most important livestock species in the region due to their production capabilities and cultural significance. Local breeds such as the Red Sindhi are present in India and Pakistan, each with unique characteristics that have been bred over time. Cattle are often used as draft animals to plow fields, provide energy-dense muscle and milk, and other uses.

In Pakistan, livestock is mainly composed of cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep. Meat is highly preferred by Pakistani consumers depending on culture and availability. Despite having a large population of dairy livestock in the country, Pakistan is ranked in the top five cattle-exporting countries globally. Commercial dairy farms typically consist of 30 animals with 70 percent being females including cows that produce milk which can be used for cheese-making or other products.

Recently 2,078 U.S cattle were shipped to Pakistan bringing new opportunities to the dairy sector due to their unique characteristics regarding welfare standards for both dogs and cattle in terms of health care needs and humane management practices such as housing conditions. The shipment will help boost agricultural productivity for local farmers who depend on cattle for their livelihoods.

Popular Domestic Breeds in Pakistan

Pakistan is home to a variety of cattle breeds, including the Sahiwal, Cholistani, Red Sindhi, Achai, Bhagnari, Dajal, Dhanni, Gibrali, Kankraj, Lohani and Rojhan. These breeds are used for milk and dairy production as well as draft purposes. The physical characteristics of the breed vary from breed to breed. The Sahiwal cattle have a massive jet-black body with broad horns that are shaped like fishhooks at the base and taper up and inwards. The Red Sindhi cows have a grey-white colour with darker shades on their forequarters and hindquarters in males. Adult females tend to be more whitish in appearance. Meanwhile, Bhagnari cattle are known for their strong bodies suitable for work purposes such as ploughing fields or transporting goods over long distances.

The dung excreted by these breeds also helps provide valuable insight into their genetic makeup and relationship to milk production. This information can be used to classify the various breeds based on their history and local aurochs contribution. Furthermore, it can help us understand how genetic and environmental factors influence body weight and reproduction.

Challenges Faced by the Cow Ownership in Pakistan

Buffaloes and cows are the major milk-producing animals in Pakistan, with 55 million smallholder farmers responsible for the bulk of production. Poor milk yields from indigenous breeds remain constant at 1800 L for buffaloes and 1195 L for cows. This low yield per cow negatively impacts the national production, leading to issues with quality and adulteration. Sheep, on the other hand, are widely present in central and northern Pakistan and their wool is exported in large quantities. Among local cow breeds, the Tharparkar is found in Tharparkar District of Sind (Pakistan) and Kutch, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer desert area of India. Bullocks are slow workers while cows can produce better yields but often face calving difficulties that lead to lighter calves with higher mortality rates. In order to combat these issues, a comprehensive action plan was approved with specific timelines and interventions outlined to address yield gaps and particular issues.

Conclusion

This paper evaluates the morphological characteristics of a cattle breed under two different farming systems. Physical characteristics of the breed include a massive jet-black body, broad horns at the base that taper up and inward in a fish hook shape. Male cattle were found to have higher height at withers, chest girth, and length compared to females.

Sahiwal cattle have been appreciated for their dairy qualities and were once ordinary draft animals. Numerous factors are involved in improving livestock prospects, such as large cattle populations, huge agricultural production for economic traits, and proper animal husbandry management. In Pakistan there is no specific breed of beef-cattle, so understanding the productivity of existing stock is important for maintaining unique traits for dairy and beef production.