Hallikar cattle are a breed of cattle found mostly in India, but they are also found throughout Asia. It is originated in the state of Karnataka, India. They are one of the most common breeds of cattle in India. They come from a middle east origin and were developed for their characteristics. The Hallikar cattle breed is a dual-purpose breed that can be used to produce meat and milk.
The Hallikar cattle are very well known for their high milk production. Their average height is about 103 cm, and the average daily yield is about 870 l per cow per year. The origin of these cattle is unknown, but they are thought to have come from both western Europe and Asia in the past hundreds of years ago.
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How to identify Hallikar cattle?
The color of the Hallikar cattle can be any shade of black, grey, or red. The legs are generally black. They have horns and small ears and they have a short tail. The Medium-sized body gives them a unique look. Their head is small in size with wide-set eyes and big horns. The hump on their neck and shoulder are very prominent in males. The forehead is a bit concave. The coat is thick and long, but not coarse in texture.
Their hair is longer at the back of the neck and shoulders, which gives them a unique look. The skin of this cattle breed is generally black but can have different shades of black depending on the breed. When an adult animal reaches 18 to 24 months it reaches breeding age.
Behavioral characteristics
Hallikar cattle are very friendly and get along with other animals. They have a good smell and are easy to keep and are loyal to their owners. This is an animal that needs little attention if left free. the animal is temperamental when they are young, but they become friends as the animal gets older. The females tend to be more affectionate than the males, especially during the breeding season.
This is an animal that is calm but does have a sort of dominance that the owner has to work on. They are low-maintenance animals, with most agricultural activities done by humans. They do not need much grooming and generally don’t shed any hair. The fleece is uniform in quality and length throughout the body. Pregnancy lasts around 7 to 8 months and calving occurs in the spring, followed by three weeks of suckling.
Diet
The Hallikar cattle should be fed a diet consisting of grass and hay. they should be fed well with grain and protein supplements in their diet. The young animals may need to be given some milk to help them gain weight when they are young.
Uses
The main use of the Hallikar cattle is for milk, meat, and dairy products. They are also used for draught purposes such as plowing and pulling carts. The animals provide good quality milk, at an average yield of 870 liters per cow per year.
The animals are gentle, easy to handle, and very predictable in their behavior. The animals are used primarily for milking animals, although they can produce enough meat to qualify them as draft animals or plowing horse.
Milk
The Hallikar cattle can produce very high yields of milk. the average yield is about 870 l per cow per year. the quality is good, with an equal ratio of fat and water in the milk.
Meat
The meat of this cattle breed is white, but it depends on the breed that is used. other breeds have a stronger musk odor and are a bit tough to chew, but still good to eat as a meat source.
As pet
As a pet, the Hallikar cattle is a good choice for anyone, as they offer good temperamental qualities. They have a good temperament and are very gentle with children. They also have a very good smell and are easy to keep. The animal has low maintenance needs and is not aggressive.
Health issue
The Hallikar cattle are a healthy breed, with few health issues. Like any other breed of cattle, they can become infected by the disease. Keeping them away from water sources to prevent them from infection is a good idea. The animals should be checked periodically for any signs of disease or injury from accidents or fights.
Predators
Predators are not a problem for the Hallikar cattle. They can be susceptible to horn flies and ticks in their early stages, but as they grow older, these problems disappear.
Special Considerations
Since the Hallikar cattle is a dual-purpose animal, it is not good for the person who wants only meat. The animals are good for meat and dairy but will be more expensive to raise as a meat source. Hallikar cattle are mostly short-lived, so this can make economic sense if you plan to eat the animal.
Hallikar cattle is generally found in places such as India, turkey, Iran and the eastern European countries. They are also found in south America and central America. However, review the full breed profile of the Hallikar cattle in the following table.
Best 10 information
| Breed Name | Hallikar cattle. |
| Breed Class, size | Medium. |
| Fur color | Black/grey/red. |
| Milk production870 l per cow per year. good milk quality. | |
| Diet | Semi-arid, tropical, tropical/subtropical. |
| Climate Tolerance | Tropical. |
| Temperament | Gentle and docile. |
| Age at first calving | 12 to 18 months. |
| Rarity | Common. |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years. |
