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Explore 30 Indian Desi Cow Breeds

Bharat’s Native Cow Treasure

India’s indigenous cow breeds are known for their purity, natural immunity, and high-quality A2 milk. Each breed has its own history, characteristics, and regional significance. Here we present 30 of the most prominent desi breeds with photos and descriptions. A complete resource for farmers, goshalas, students, and animal lovers.

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1. GIR

  • The Gir is one of India’s most famous indigenous dairy breeds, originating from Gujarat. Known for its dome-shaped forehead, long ears, and calm nature. Highly disease-resistant and adapts well to hot climates. Produces rich, nutritious A2 milk, widely valued across India. A favorite breed in many goshalas promoting cow protection and seva.

2. SAHIWAL

  • Originating from Punjab, Sahiwal is among the best indigenous milk producers. It has a reddish-brown coat and strong disease resistance. Known for easy calving and strong maternal instincts.
    Milk contains high butterfat and A2 casein. Highly preferred for dairy farmers and goshalas.

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3. RED SINDHI

  • Red Sindhi cows are known for their copper-red colour and excellent milk yield. They adapt well to harsh and dry climates. Milk quality is rich and suitable for ghee and curd.
    Strong immunity makes them low-maintenance. A popular indigenous breed preserved across Indian goshalas.

4. THARPARKAR

  • From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, this breed survives extreme heat.
    Produces good-quality A2 milk even in drought conditions. Its white coat helps reflect sunlight and keep cool. Hardy and disease-resistant with strong build. Highly respected in desert-region goshalas.

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5. RATHI

  • A dual-purpose breed from Rajasthan, ideal for both milk and draught work. Known for peaceful temperament and good reproductive ability. Produces creamy A2 milk rich in nutrients. Adaptable to hot and semi-arid regions. Widely used by traditional farmers and goshalas.

6. KANKREJ

  • Originates from Gujarat and Rajasthan and known for its strong build. Its curved horns and grey coat are easily recognisable.
    Used both for dairy and powerful bullocks for farming. Has excellent heat tolerance and disease resistance. A prized breed among indigenous cow lovers.

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7. ONGOLE

  • From Andhra Pradesh, famous globally for its strength and purity. Large white body with a muscular appearance.
    Produces moderate but high-quality A2 milk. Bulls are known worldwide for power and endurance.
    Highly valued in traditional goshalas.

8. HARIANA

  • Haryana’s native breed known for dual-purpose use.
    White to greyish coat with a strong hump and sharp horns.
    Good milk yield with high immunity. Ideal for both dairy and field work. Farmers rely on Hariana for stability and strength.

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9. KRISHNA VALLEY

  • A large, powerful breed from Karnataka’s Krishna River region. Known for its broad chest and long body.
    Traditionally used for heavy farm work. Produces moderate A2 milk with good fat content. A heritage breed preserved in many Karnataka goshalas.

10. DEONI

  • Native to Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.
    Has a unique three-colour pattern—white, black, and spotted.
    Produces rich A2 milk suitable for home dairy. Strong, disease-resistant, and calm. A favourite in rural dairies and goshalas.

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11. HALLIKAR

  • Hallikar is Karnataka’s pride and one of India’s oldest draught breeds. Known for its strong horns, muscular body, and energetic nature. Traditionally used for ploughing and transport due to endurance. Produces moderate A2 milk with good nutritional value. Highly respected in South Indian goshalas for its purity and strength.

12. AMRIT MAHAL

  • A royal breed developed under Mysore kings for military and transport work. Recognised for its long face, sharp horns, and slim but powerful body. Extremely fast and known for long-distance stamina. Milk quantity is low, but the breed’s heritage value is high.
    A protected and prestigious native breed of Karnataka.

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13. KHILLARI

  • A strong and agile breed from Maharashtra.
    Popular for its endurance and suitability for hard field work.
    Recognised by its upward-curving horns and compact body.
    Produces moderate A2 milk with good fat content. A vital part of traditional farming communities.

14. BARGUR

  • Native to Tamil Nadu’s Bargur hills, known for speed and alertness. Has a reddish-brown body with white specks.
    Used mainly for rapid movement and hill farming. Hardy breed that adapts to rough terrains. A culturally important cattle in tribal regions.

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15. KANGAYAM

  • A celebrated Tamil Nadu breed known for strength and discipline. Medium-sized with grey or white coats and pointed horns. Used for traditional bull races and farm work.
    Long lifespan and disease resistance make it valuable. Highly preserved in many South Indian goshalas.

16. VECHUR

  • One of the smallest cow breeds in the world, native to Kerala.
    Produces highly medicinal A2 milk with rich nutrients. Low feed requirement makes it ideal for small homes and farms. Very friendly and easy to maintain. A rare and revived breed protected by researchers and goshalas.

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17. KASARGOD DWARF

  • A tiny but hardy cow breed from North Kerala.
    Known for surviving on very little food and naturally grown fodder. Produces highly medicinal milk often used in Ayurvedic purposes. Calm, gentle, and easy to manage.
    Excellent for natural farming and goshala environments.

18. PUNGANUR

  • A miniature cow breed from Andhra Pradesh’s Punganur region.
    Stands small but offers high-quality, nutrient-rich A2 milk.
    Extremely low maintenance and requires minimal fodder.
    Has a unique crescent-shaped hump.
    A rare and sacred breed used in many temples and goshalas.

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19. MALNAD GIDDA

  • A forest-dwelling breed from Karnataka’s Western Ghats.
    Highly agile, disease-resistant, and able to climb steep areas. Produces medicinal A2 milk with strong immunity benefits. Requires very little management and thrives on natural grazing. A holy and culturally significant breed in many villages.

20. NIMARI

  • Originates from Madhya Pradesh, especially Nimar region.
    Has a striking red-and-white patterned body.
    Used for both dairy and field work due to strength.
    Milk quality is good with decent fat percentage.
    A robust and beautiful indigenous breed.

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21. GAOLAO

  • Gaolao is a dual-purpose breed from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
    Known for its tall, lean, and elegant white body.
    Bulls are energetic and ideal for ploughing and cart work.
    Produces moderate but good-quality A2 milk.
    A hardy breed that thrives even in low-fodder areas.

22. DANGI

  • Native to the hilly and rainy regions of Maharashtra.
    Famous for its unique white coat with black or red spots.
    Exceptionally hardy and performs well in heavy rainfall areas.
    Used extensively for field work in muddy or uneven terrain.
    Produces moderate A2 milk with good nutritional value.

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23. KHERIGARH

  • A draught breed from Uttar Pradesh’s Kheri district.
    Slim, active, and known for fast movement.
    Commonly used for cart pulling and light agricultural work.
    Produces small quantities of milk but of high A2 quality.
    Valuable for rural farming communities.

24. SIRI

  • A mountain breed found in Sikkim and Himalayan regions.
    Recognised by its thick coat, essential for cold climates.
    Used for ploughing and carrying loads in hilly areas.
    Milk is rich and suitable for ghee and butter making.
    A culturally sacred breed among hill communities.

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25. LADAKHI

  • Adapted to the extreme cold climate of Ladakh.
    Small, sturdy body with dense hair for insulation.
    Produces highly nutritious milk even in harsh winters.
    Thrives on minimal fodder available in mountain regions.
    One of the toughest indigenous breeds in India.

26. MOTU

  • A native breed from Odisha, found mainly in Malkangiri district.
    Compact body with strong legs and good working ability.
    Used for ploughing and small-scale farm tasks.
    Milk yield is modest but of good quality.
    A rare regional breed preserved by local farmers.

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27. LAKHIMI

  • A traditional breed from Assam with a gentle temperament.
    Known for high disease resistance and adaptability to humid climate. Produces good-quality A2 milk despite smaller body size. Low maintenance and ideal for natural, village-style farming. Important to the cultural and rural economy of Assam.

28. PONWAR

  • A rare breed from Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district.
    Active and alert, with a black-and-white colour pattern.
    Used mainly for draught work due to stamina and speed.
    Not a high-milk breed, but very hardy.
    Maintained by traditional farmers for generations.

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29. Siri (Yak-Cross Variant)

  • A Himalayan variant found in Bhutan and Northeast India.
    Has a hump position slightly forward compared to Indian zebu. Strong, cold-resistant, and ideal for mountain terrains.
    Produces rich milk suitable for cheese and butter. Represents genetic heritage of Indo-Himalayan cattle.

30. PULIKULAM

  • A famous Tamil Nadu breed best known for traditional Jallikattu.
    Strong, courageous, and extremely fast runners.
    Has a compact muscular frame with curved horns.
    Milk yield is low, but the breed is highly valuable for its purity.
    Considered sacred and preserved by village communities.

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