Sahiwal is a breed of zebu cow named after the Punjab region of Pakistan. It is primarily found in the Punjab province of Pakistan and in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Sahiwal cattle come from the dry region of Punjab. Once tended to by professional herders in large numbers, the introduction of irrigation led to their being kept in smaller numbers by farmers for both draft and dairy use. Today, Sahiwal is a top dairy breed in India and Pakistan, known for their calm demeanor during milking and their ability to produce high amounts of milk despite heat. They've been exported to other parts of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Sahiwal cattle are sought after in many lands. They made their way to Australia from New Guinea in the 1950s and were used for both dairy and labor. They helped create two Australian dairy breeds, the Australian Milking Zebu and the Australian Friesian Sahiwal. Nowadays, Sahiwal cattle are mainly used for beef in Australia. Their crosses with European breeds produce lean meat with desirable fat. The Sahiwal bulls sire small, tough calves well-suited for harsh climates.
The adaptability of Sahiwal cattle is well known in places like Kenya, Jamaica, Guyana, Burundi, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and many parts of Africa. Sahiwals have been crossbred with exotic Bos taurus breeds, which excel in milk and beef production but struggle with local conditions. These Sahiwal cattle are descendants of 60 bulls and 12 cows brought to Kenya between 1939 and 1963. The breed is unmatched in transmitting milk production among Bos indicus breeds and Kenya is a major source of Sahiwal cattle and semen for Africa.
The Sahiwal breed is also found in other parts of Asia, including India. They're the top milk producers among zebu breeds and have strong udders. In Pakistan, efforts are underway to preserve the breed through the Research Centre for Conservation of Sahiwal Cattle.
Content and photo source: Wikipedia.org
About Sahiwal Cattle
