Red Sindhi Breed: The Resilient Breed of Indian Dairy

Red Sindhi Breed is one of the prominent Indian cow breeds. Cattle in India have been traditionally raised for milk and labour purposes since old age times. The dairy industry in India is vital for both rural and urban economies, providing livelihoods for millions of small and marginalised farmers and ensuring food stability by supplying necessary nutrition to the country’s rising population.

India is the world’s largest milk producer; milk production of India is estimated to reach 236.35 million tonnes in 2023-24, registering a growth of 2.5% over the last year, beating the world average growth rate.

The dairy market in India plays a vital role in meeting the protein and calcium needs of the population by delivering milk and dairy products, which are essential parts of the Indian diet. Simultaneously, this sector in India ensures the accessibility of critical nutrients for the physical and mental development of the population.

This indigenous Red Sindhi breed is known for its high genetic potential for milk production and is primarily maintained; due to its toughness, vigour, heat resistance, and high milk yields, this breed has gained the spotlight PAN India and globally.

History and Origin of the Red Sindhi Breed

The Red Sindhi breed originated in Sindhi, Pakistan. They are known for their hardiness, heat resistance, and high milk yields; they have spread to many parts of India and in at least 33 countries across Asia, Africa, Oceania, Africa, Australia, the Philippines, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and the Americas.  

The breed has different other names such as “Malir”, “Red Karachi”, and “Sindhi”. The Red Sindhi breed is believed to have originated from the Las Bela cattle found in Bela, in Baluchistan. However, several organised herds from this breed are maintained at government farms.

The Red Sindhi breed usually has very high genetic potential for milk production and can be comparable with Sahiwal. In India, the animals of this breed are not likely available in field conditions.

Red Sindhi cows were brought to Brazil in the middle of the 20th century. These cows were used for milk production in Brazil but were not as popular as other breeds.

At present, the breed can be found all over the world and is raised for both meat and milk production. The breed originally came from Hyderabad, Bikaner, and Pakistan, India. They have been used for crossbreeding with other cattle breeds from cold climates in many countries, merging their ability to thrive in tropical conditions (disease resistance, fertility in higher temperatures, etc.) with the higher milk production of temperate regions.

Characteristics of the Red Sindhi Breed

Red Sindhi breed cows are hardy and highly resistant to heat and ticks. They are the most economical milk producers among India’s dairy breeds.

1. The average height of a Red Sindhi cow is 116 cm, and the weight is 340 kg cm in height and 420 kg in weight. 
2. The cattle have medium-sized structures, well-proportioned features, and compact bodies.
3. The colour is primarily deep red but varies from a deep reddish brown to a yellowish red. In males, the colour is darker on the shoulders and thighs. Sometimes, small white patches can be observed in the region of dewlap and forehead.
4. The head size is moderate and proportioned generously with clear-cut outlines.
5. These cattle have a broad between the eyes and are flat or slightly bulging, with a short crop of hair.
6. The face is also medium in length, slightly tampered into a square form, and the facial expression looks intelligent.
7. The back is well-developed with a black muzzle, wide nostrils, and muscular lips.
8. The crest line is broad between the horns, and the poll is slightly expanded at the centre.
9. The horns are thick, short, and curved, emerge laterally, and end in blunt tips.
10. The ears are medium in size, delicate, clean-cut, and are carried at an angle. The skin inside is generally coloured butter yellow.
11. The eyes are relatively large, clear, and well set apart, with eyebrows relatively light.
12. The neck is short and thick at the junction of the head and evenly joined at the shoulders.
13. The females have capacious and loose udder with medium-sized teats.
14. The navel flap is moderate in size, thin, and clear-cut.
15. The jaws are strong with the extending dewlap underneath the lower jaw.
16. The average height of a male is 130 cm, and a female is 120 cm.
17. The average body weight of a male is 450 kg, and a female is 320 kg.
18. The average chest girth of a male is 180cm, and a female is 140 cm.
19. The fat percentage in milk differs from 4 to 5.2%, with an average of 4.5%.
20. The first calving period is 30 to 50 months, with an inter-calving period of 12 to 18 months.
21. It yields A2 desi cow milk, just like Gir and Sahiwal cows.

Resilience and Adaptability of Red Sindhi Breed

The Red Sindhi breed is known for its resilience, adaptability, and productivity in various climates and environments. It’s an asset to the global livestock industry with high milk yield, heat and tick resistance, and successful crossbreeding for improved traits.

This breed thrives in adverse conditions, resulting in a high calf survival rate. Crossbreeding with European dairy breeds has combined its tropical adaptations and disease resistance with increased milk production in temperate regions.

The Red Sindhi’s adaptability to hot and humid climates and resistance to common cattle diseases make it suitable for milk and beef production and draught purposes like ploughing fields or hauling carts.

How Can We Increase Milk Production for Red Sindhi Cows?

1.     Provide Sufficient Nutrients

Red Sindhi cows must be fed a balanced, nutritious diet rich in protein, energy, and minerals.

2.     Ensure Good Quality Pasturing

Red Sindhi cows need proper grazing and are provided with good quality pastures that are rich in nutrients and can help raise their milk production.

3.     Practice Good Milking Hygiene

Practising milking is essential to ensure that the milk produced by Red Sindhi cows is of good quality.

4.     Proper Veterinary Care

Daily veterinary care is essential to confirm that Red Sindhi cows are healthy and free from diseases affecting milk production.

To Wrap Up

In an agriculture-based developing country like India, natural resources provide primary livelihood to the rural people. Rural families rely on land, water, livestock, and forests to create employment and earn their livelihood. The livestock covers cattle, and buffaloes play a significant role. Under good management conditions, the Red Sindhi modes over 1700 kg of milk per lactation after suckling their calves, but there have been milk yields of over 3400 kilograms under optimum conditions.

The average milk production of this breed in India varies between 1300 kg to 1800 kg per lactation. The Red Sindhi Breed is one of the best milch breeds of the subcontinent. This breed is mainly found in the Hyderabad and Karachi districts of Pakistan; cows in this breed are kept in almost all parts of the country for milk production.

Frequently Asked Questions