What is Sahiwal Cow?

A Brief Description

The Sahiwal Cow is a type of Zebu cattle that is highly valued for its milk, which has a high fat content and is of superior quality. Originally from the Sahiwal district of Pakistan and the Punjab region of India, this breed was traditionally kept in large herds by professional herdsmen known as "Charwahas." However, with the advent of irrigation systems, farmers began to keep fewer Sahiwal cattle and use them as dairy animals instead.

Today, the Sahiwal is considered one of the best dairy breeds in India and Pakistan, thanks to its ability to produce large quantities of milk and its resistance to tick-borne diseases. The breed is highly sought after by farmers due to its efficiency in milk production and reproduction. Additionally, Sahiwal milk has a higher fat content and is considered healthier than milk from other imported cow breeds.

According to research conducted by the Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Sahiwal cows are capable of producing an average of 8-10kgs of milk per day with 4.5% milkfat content over a 10-month period, making them one of the most productive local breeds. The breed is also known for having larger teats than other Zebu breeds, which makes milking easier.

History of Sahiwal Breed

The origin of the Sahiwal breed can be traced back to the dry Punjab region in central Punjab, where they were traditionally kept in large herds by professional herdsmen known as "Charwahas." However, with the introduction of irrigation systems to the region, farmers gradually began to keep fewer Sahiwal cattle as draft and dairy animals. Today, the Sahiwal breed is considered one of the finest dairy breeds in India and Pakistan due to its high milk production and tolerance to heat. In addition, Sahiwal cows are known for their calm temperament during milking. The breed has also been exported to other Asian nations, as well as to Africa and the Caribbean, due to their ability to produce high-quality milk and withstand hot climates.

Distribution 0f Sahiwal Cow

The unique characteristics of the Sahiwal breed have made it a popular choice for export to various countries and regions. In the early 1950s, the Sahiwal breed was introduced to Australia through New Guinea and was initially used as a dual-purpose breed. This breed contributed to the development of two Australian tropical dairy breeds, the Australian Milking Zebu and the Australian Friesian Sahiwal. However, due to the desirable fat cover produced by crossing high-quality Sahiwal sires with European breeds, Sahiwal cattle are now primarily used for beef production in Australia. In addition, Sahiwal bulls are known to sire small, fast-growing, weather-resistant calves.

The adaptability of the Sahiwal breed has been well documented in various African countries, including Kenya, Jamaica, Guyana, Burundi, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. In these countries, Sahiwals have been crossed with exotic Bos taurus breeds that have a high response capability for milk and beef production but lack adaptability to local conditions. The Sahiwal breed has been found to contribute significantly to the adaptability of these crossbred cattle. For instance, the current generation of Sahiwal cattle in Kenya is descended from 60 bulls and 12 cows imported between 1939 and 1963. Among Bos indicus breeds, the Sahiwal breed is considered to be unmatched in its ability to transmit effects for milk production. Kenya is the main source of Bos indicus Sahiwal cattle in Africa, and it serves as a crucial source of stock and sperm for the continent.

The Sahiwal breed is also exported to several other Asian countries, including India. Sahiwal cows have the heaviest milking capacity of any zebu breed, with a well-developed udder. The Research Centre for Conservation of Sahiwal Cattle is responsible for safeguarding the breed in Pakistan.

Physical Properties of Sahiwal Cow

The Sahiwal cow has a reddish-brown to red color with varying amounts of white on the neck and underline. The color darkens towards the head, neck, legs, and tail of male breeds. This breed is also known for having droopy ears. The hump is quite large in males, but it is negligible in females. They are extremely tall and long. The skin surrounding the umbilicus becomes slack and thick. The forehead of a Sahiwal is elevated, and the head is shot size. Horns are both strong and small in size. The udder is large and dangling. The tail of a Sahiwal cow is very long, about to touch the ground. Adult cattle weights range between 400 and 500 kg, with cow weights between 700 and 800 kg. It takes approximately 3-3.5 years to produce the first calf. The cow can produce 12-15 kg of milk per day and 3000-4000 kg per year. When a calf is born, it weighs between 22 and 28 kg. Sahiwal cow milk contains 4.5% fat.

In terms of physical features, the head of a Sahiwal cow is long and round on the forehead. The average weight of a Sahiwal cow is 450 kg. Most Sahiwal cows are red and brownish in color, but they can also be a golden-brown mixture. The navel of a Sahiwal cow is 3-4 inches long and is practically between the front and back legs. Sahiwal's cow eyes are black and appear lampblack on the eye linings. Sahiwal cow gallkambal extends from the chin to the udder. The gallkambal is the largest from the neck to the front legs and the smallest to the udder. The hump on the back is a distinguishing feature of the Sahiwal cow. If the hump is perpendicular to the front legs, the cow is almost certainly a pure Sahiwal cow. A Sahiwal cow can grow to be 4 to 5 feet tall. The horns of Sahiwal cows are neither large nor curved, and they are very small and thick in diameter. The Sahiwal cow tail is wide at the top and narrows at the bottom. The Sahiwal cow can withstand high temperatures and has a high immunity and can withstand common illnesses. However, when a Sahiwal cow is unable to handle diseases, it indicates a problem with you. Because of its large size, the Sahiwal cow can be aggressive at times, but once they know you, they treat you with respect. It has also been observed that Sahiwal cows can be very active when moving around.

Cost of Sahiwal Cow

The price of a Sahiwal cow is primarily determined by its milk production, age, and overall health. Typically, these cows can cost between Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 75,000 on average.

Sahiwal Cow Milk Production

Among all Zebu breeds, Sahiwal cows produce a substantial amount of milk, with Red Sindhi and Butana following closely behind. On average, these cows produce about 2270 kg of milk while suckling a calf. Over a period of 260-300 days, lactation yields in Sahiwal cows range from 1400 to 2500 kgs on average in India.

One issue that is common with this breed in India and Pakistan is a shorter lactation period of 70-200 days. The first calving for these cows can occur anywhere between 37 to 48 months, with a calving interval of 430 to 580 days. In Pakistani Sahiwal cows, the age of first calving should be around 37 to 45 months, and calving intervals have been reported as 390 to 490 days.

In comparison to other imported breeds, Sahiwal cows can produce 20 liters of milk at a time, whereas other breeds can only produce 60 liters. Additionally, Sahiwal cows can give birth to calves for the rest of their lives, while others can only give birth three or four times. Furthermore, this breed is known to withstand extreme weather conditions better than other imported breeds.

Health Management of Sahiwal Cow

Ticks are the most dangerous threat to cows in grassland areas. To protect against tick-borne diseases, acaricide should be sprayed on animals once a week. To keep internal parasites at bay, deworm the animals once every three months, and if necessary, once every four or five months, depending on the helminth fecal egg count. In addition to the foregoing, routine vaccinations against diseases such as foot-and-mouth, anthrax, lumpy skin disease (LSD), and other epizootic diseases should be performed. The East Coast Fever (ECF) vaccine is now available on the market and can be administered once in the animal's lifetime to protect against foot-and-mouth disease. Anthrax vaccinations should also be administered twice a year.

Advantages of Sahiwal cows

The Sahiwal breed of cows offers several benefits, including a high potential for milk production with a low butter fat content of around 4.5%. The amount of food and overall management given to the cows will influence their milk output. Additionally, Sahiwal cows are well-suited for environments where grazing is not possible. They are also known for their ability to produce valuable male offspring and have a lower cell count, reducing the likelihood of certain health issues. With frequent calving throughout their lifetime, Sahiwal cows often eliminate the need for replacement animals.

Disadvantages of Sahiwal cows

The Sahiwal breed of cows has several drawbacks, including its high feeding needs and susceptibility to diseases like milk fever. Managing Sahiwals also requires a significant level of expertise and effort. These cows are powerful feeders and require large quantities of fresh forage (around 90-110 kg per day, equivalent to three gunny bags) and ample clean water (at least 60 liters per day, more for high-yielding cows).

Sahiwal Cow Milk

Sahiwal cows produce milk with a higher fat content of 5-6% compared to other breeds which only contain 3% fat. The milk from Sahiwal cows also contains three types of protein - alpha, beta, and globin, with the beta protein having alleles A1 and A2. The Sahiwal breed is the only breed with allele A2, which contains proline instead of histidine protein found in other breeds' milk.

Due to the presence of this additional allele, Sahiwal cow milk is highly beneficial for human health and can aid in the treatment of diseases such as cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. This is why Sahiwal cows are considered to be a rare breed.

Sahiwal Cow Milk Benefits

Some notable benefits of A2 cow milk (Sahiwal cow) are given below.

• Amino Acids: Sahiwal cow A2 milk contains amino acids that combat various diseases such as joint pain, asthma, obesity, and mental health issues.

• Omega Fatty Acids: The Omega Fatty Acids present in Sahiwal cow milk help regulate blood vessel function.

• Amino Fatty Acid: Amino fatty acid promotes fitness and vitality.

• Rich in Calcium: Sahiwal cow A2 milk is abundant in calcium, which is crucial for bone growth and development. Calcium also helps alleviate PMS symptoms during the menstrual cycle, prevent migraine headaches, and gout.

• Cancer Prevention: Sahiwal cow milk shields colon cells from cancer-causing chemicals.

• Fat Oxidation: Sahiwal cow milk promotes fat oxidation and regulates the parathyroid hormone-calcium secretion hormone secretion, contributing to bone health.

• Prevents Anemia: Vitamins B2 and B12, present in Sahiwal cow milk, assist in the production of red blood cells, nerve cells, and help cells utilize protein and carbohydrates, thereby preventing anemia.

• Rich in Vitamin A: Vitamin A in Sahiwal Cow milk promotes the growth and development of mucosa and epithelial tissues, and its deficiency can cause cold rheumatoid arthritis.

• Proper Heart Function: Potassium present in Sahiwal Cow milk promotes proper heart function, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. It also safeguards against ear infections and other ailments.

• Prevents Kidney Stones: Sahiwal Cow A2 milk helps in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

• Reduces Acidity: Sahiwal Cow A2 milk helps to reduce acidity.

• Cholesterol Regulation: Sahiwal Cow A2 milk helps to maintain serum cholesterol levels.

Sahiwal Cow Ghee & Sahiwal Cow Ghee Benefits

Sahiwal A2 cow ghee is a premium type of ghee that offers superior immunity-building properties compared to other ghee types. It is also rich in protein and has a higher nutritional value than regular ghee. The slow-simmering process used to make Sahiwal A2 ghee preserves its nutrients and results in a grainy texture. Additionally, it contains a higher concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids and is free from preservatives and additives.

Consuming Sahiwal A2 cow ghee can bring numerous health benefits. It contains butyric acid, which aids in digestion and gut health, and helps to prevent colon cancer. Vitamin K2 in the ghee can improve cardiovascular health by preventing artery blockages and promoting good cholesterol. The ghee's balanced combination of vitamins A, E, and D makes it ideal for maintaining skin collagen levels and elasticity. It can also reduce inflammation and stiffness in joints, promote bone development, and prevent colds and viral flu by maintaining a warmer core temperature. Finally, the butyric acid in the ghee can help with weight loss by aiding digestion and increasing metabolism. Additionally, the fat-soluble vitamins in Sahiwal ghee can aid in immunity building, promoting the proper functioning of the heart, brain, and bones.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is special about Sahiwal cow?

• The Sahiwal is one of the best desi cow breeds in India. Originated in the Montgomery which is now in Pakistan. It is also known by various names like Lola, Lambi Bar, Teli, Montgomery, and Multani. On average, it produces between 1400 and 2500 kilograms of milk per lactation. You can find Sahiwal cattle in many parts of India, including Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.

How much milk Sahiwal cow gives per day?

• Sahiwal cow gives 7 to 10 liters milk per day.

Is Sahiwal cow A1 or A2?

• Milk obtained from Sahiwal cow comes in the category of A2 milk. A2 casein protein is found in this milk, due to which it is named A2 milk.

Is Sahiwal a Desi cow?

• Yes, Sahiwal is a Desi cow.