The coloring of Amrit Mahal cattle is usually
some shade of gray varying from almost white to nearly black, and
in some cases white-gray markings of a definite pattern are present
on the face and dewlap. The muzzle, feet and tail switch are usually
black, but in older animals the color looks lighter.
The most striking characteristic of these cattle is the formation
of the head and horns. The head is well-shaped, long and tapering
towards the muzzle. The forehead bulges out slightly and is narrow
and furrowed in the middle.
The horns emerge from the top of the poll,
fairly close together in an upward and backward direction, and terminate
in sharp points which are usually black. In old animals the long
sharp points approximate each other and may even interlace to some
extent.
The eyes look bloodshot. The ears are small
and taper to a point, being carried in a horizontal position. They
are yellow inside.
The dewlap is thin and does not extend very far. The sheath
and navel flap are very small and close to the body. The hump is
well-developed and shapely in the bulls, rising to a height of about
8 inches.
The body is compact and muscular with well-formed
shoulders and hindquarters. The neck is strong and fairly long.
The back is level, with broad loins and level rump. Legs are of
medium length and well-proportioned.
The fetlocks are short and the hooves are
hard, close together and small. The skin is thin, mellow and jet
black in color, with short glossy hair.
As the cattle are maintained in the pasture areas without
any restrictions and handling, they show a very impatient, wild
and unruly disposition.
They are at time dangerous, particularly
to strangers. They need patience and care in training; hard treatment
makes them stubborn. Once they are trained they are extremely fine
bullocks, particularly for quick transportation.
They are observed to have great endurance.
Cows are very poor milkers.
