Identification of Indigenous and Foreign Breed Cows

In various regions of India, there are several types of cows found, mainly categorized into two groups. The first is the indigenous breed of cows, and the second is the foreign breed of cows. Cows found in India and other Asian countries are considered indigenous, while those found in European countries are considered foreign. It is very important to identify the indigenous and foreign breeds of cows. Based on the physical structure of the cow's body, we can easily identify indigenous and foreign breeds. Additionally, the quantity of milk and the amount of fat in the milk can also be used to identify indigenous and foreign breeds of cows.

Understanding the Characteristics of Indigenous and Foreign Cows

There are various significant differences to distinguish indigenous cows from their foreign counterparts. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Hump: Indigenous cows possess hump at their back while the foreign counterparts do not have such features.
• Horns: The horns of indigenous cows protrude upwards, while those of foreign breeds tend to point straight or outward.
• Back: The back of indigenous cows tends to be slightly arched, whereas foreign breeds typically have straight backs.
• Udder: Indigenous cows have smaller udders, whereas foreign breeds boast larger and more developed udders.
• Skin: The skin of cows with humps is thick and loose, with heavy folds around the neck. Conversely, foreign breeds have thinner, tighter skin.
• Rump: The rump of indigenous cows slopes downwards, resembling a gentle incline. On the other hand, foreign breeds have flatter rumps.
• Height: Indigenous cows tend to be taller, whereas foreign breeds are often shorter.
• Upper part of the Tail: The upper part of the tail of a native breed cow remains buried between the bones. The upper part of the tail of a foreign breed cow is raised.

Some other Differences between Indigenous and Foreign Cows

Understanding the differences between indigenous and foreign-breed cows can significantly impact productivity and overall cattle management. Let’s understand some key disparities:

• Milk Production: Indigenous breed cows typically produce 6 to 8 kg of milk per day, while foreign breed cows can yield anywhere from 15 to 30 kg daily.
• Fat Content: The milk from indigenous breed cows tends to have higher fat content, whereas milk from foreign breed cows contains less fat.
• Reproductive Age: Indigenous breed cows usually give birth to their first calf between 3 years and 4 months to 3 years and 9 months of age, whereas foreign breed cows are capable of calving at a younger age, around 2 years and 3 months to 2 years and 6 months.
• Voice: Recognizable even by their voice, indigenous breed cows produce a deep, heavy sound, while foreign breed cows tend to have a lighter and softer voice in comparison.
• Temperament and Disease Resistance: Indigenous breed cows are known for their docile temperament and strong disease resistance capabilities.
• Milk Types: Indigenous breeds typically produce A2 milk, which is easier to digest and more profitable. Foreign breed cows often produce A1 milk, which according to some studies, may increase the risk of various health issues.
• Climate Adaptability: Indigenous cows exhibit greater adaptability to diverse climates, while foreign breeds may struggle with climatic changes, leading to a higher susceptibility to diseases.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the different breeds of foreign cows?

A: Foreign breeds of cows include Jersey, Holstein-Friesian, and Brown Swiss, among others. There are also some breeds such as Friswal, Karan Swiss, Karan Fries, Girolando, which are crossbred from indigenous and foreign breeds of cows.

Q: Which breed is a native cow?

A: Gir, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Rathi, etc., are some of the prominent native breeds of cows. Rearing these breeds is very beneficial for farmers.

Q: Which indigenous cow gives the most milk?

A: The Gir cow is the breed of indigenous cow that gives the most milk in India. This cow produces more than 12 liters of milk per day. The milk of this breed of cow contains 4.5 percent fat.

Q: Why is the milk of indigenous cows the best?

A: Indigenous breeds of cows and buffaloes produce A2 milk. 'Proline' amino acid is found in A2 milk. Due to being easy to digest, consumption of A2 milk is beneficial for individuals struggling with digestive issues. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent swelling in the body.