In various cultures, particularly in India, indigenous cattle breeds play a crucial role in the environment. In spiritual and cultural contexts, the desi cows, or native Indian breeds, are honored for their distinct traits and contributions. One of the traditional cattle breeds, the Gaolao cattle breed, is well known for its resemblance to the Ongole cattle breed, although the latter is lighter and more agile.
According to historical accounts, the Marathas developed this breed into a fast-trotting type suitable for swift military transport in the hilly regions of Gondwana, Madhya Pradesh. Initially utilised for military purposes by the Maratha army during their invasion of the local Gond Kingdom, the breed was known to have decent milk-producing capacity in the past. However, in the last two centuries, selective breeding has mainly focused on developing its draft capacity.
The breed is primarily found in the districts of Wardha, Nagpur, and Chhindwara. This blog will underscore the significance of this Gaolao cattle breed and its distinctive characteristics.
The name Gaolao originated from the caste of professional milkmen or ‘Gaolies’. This cattle breed is native to India and falls under the Bos Indicus subspecies. It is considered a dual-purpose breed when utilised as draught and milk cattle.
This Gaolao cattle breed is mainly found in the Wardha District in Maharashtra, Balaghat and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh and the Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh. It is characterised by its large and robust build, typically carrying white to grey complexions.
The Gaolao cattle breed is similar to the Ongole cattle but differs in weight and agility. Gaolao cattle are lighter and more agile. The Marathas originally developed them to be fast and well-suited for quick troop movements in Gondwana, Madhya Pradesh’s hilly areas.
Unfortunately, the Gaolao breed has faced challenges due to government policies supporting crossbreeding programs and castration drives, leading to a significant decrease in genetic diversity and population. Efforts to protect the breed include artificial insemination and community-based conservation practices, emphasising the importance of preserving genetic purity and supporting traditional breeding methods.
The Gaolao cow breed has similarities with the Ongole breed, but these breeds are slightly lighter and thriftier. They mostly graze around in a herd reared on grasslands preserved by the forest department. The depletion of such grazing land is making this breed decline simultaneously. The body is short and fleshy with solid limbs.
The skewed government policies and lack of knowledge among the masses regarding the Gaolao cattle breed led to a decrease in the number of the breed. The Gaolao cows are known for yielding 6-8 litres of milk in a day. Despite their ability to tolerate heat, survive the hardships in the pathway, and the strength and speed they possess, people fail to understand their true potential. With each passing day, they are losing their actual value due to the major changes in the perception of the masses and the lack of supportive measures and actions initiated to protect them.
It’s time to become aware of our responsibilities towards the Gau-culture and value our mother cows. Consuming dairy products made using the milk obtained from desi cows, such as Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Tharparkar, Gaolao, etc, will be helpful in reviving the Vedic culture of our country.
We hope you’ve understood the reasons behind the decline in the numbers and take significant steps on your level to preserve the Gaolao cattle breed and spread awareness.
Unfortunately, the breed of cattle known for its ability to carry heavy loads and provide high-quality milk is facing extinction. This breed was initially developed by the Marathas and was utilised for military purposes when the Maratha army invaded the local Gond Kingdom.
Even though about 3,000 of these cattle remain, less than half of them are purely bred, and only around 150 bulls are of the pure breed. The good news is that government agencies are now actively preserving this valuable cattle breed. It’s important for dairy farmers to understand the worth of Gaolao cattle breed and why preserving this breed is crucial.
The Gaolao cattle breed stands out differently for its historical role in military logistics, physical adaptations for endurance and liveliness, and transition from a dual-purpose breed to a specialised draft animal. The Marathas developed the Gaolao cattle into a fast-trotting type, ideal for quick transportation in hilly terrains, serving primarily for military purposes during invasions.
Its characteristics make it an exciting subject to further study, especially regarding its reproductive performance and genetic makeup, which could offer insights into breeding strategies and conservation efforts for this unique cattle breed. The breed closely resembles the Ongole cattle, differing primarily in being lighter and more agile. Visit Swadeshivip and order desi cow milk, ghee, paneer, dahi, butter, etc and take care of the health and well-being of your family.
The Gaolao cow breed is an indigenous Indian cattle breed known for its adaptability to various climatic conditions and efficient milk production.
The Gaolao cow breed comes from the Wardha district in Maharastra, Balaghat District, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajnandgaon District in Chhattisgarh state.
The Gaolao cattle are short-horned, white or light grey, with a long octagonal-shaped skull, not prominent orbital arches, and a slightly convex face in profile.
On average, Gaolao cows yield 6-8 Ltr milk per day, around 470-725kg per lactation, spanning 210-240 days.
Yes, Gaolao cows are highly suitable for organic farming due to their hardiness and resistance to diseases, which reduces the need for chemical interventions.
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