Origin
It is a hilly tract with heavy rainfall and
very poor agricultural economy. The breed has become well-known
on account of its hardy nature and its ability to work hard under
heavy rainfall conditions. The Dangi breed, which is similar to
Deoni, appears to fit into the group of cattle represented by the
Gir, Red
Sindhi and Sahiwal.
Characteristics
The Dangis are of broken red and white or
black and white color. The animals are medium in size, with deep
bodies and generally of ponderous build. The height behind the hump
ranges from about 45 to 50 inches while the heart girth measures
from about 58 to 60 inches, on the average.
The head is usually small with a slightly protruding forehead. The
muzzle is large. The horns, though of variable size, are generally
short and thick. The ears are small.
The animals have powerful hind and forequarters with a short back
well-coupled, and the legs are short and stout. The hooves are exceptionally
hardy, being black and flint-like. The dewlap is slightly pendulous.
The sheath, though loose, is not excessively
pendulous. The hump is medium-sized and firm. The skin is of medium
thickness and the coat is shiny. It is observed to exude an oily
secretion which protects it from heavy rain.
The Dangis are primarily medium-slow draft animals. They are well-known
for their excellent working qualities in heavy rain and in rice
fields and also on the hilly tracks.
They are hardy animals and subsist mostly
on grazing alone. As draft animals they carry heavy timber at the
rate of 2 to 3 miles per hour depending upon the type of terrain
and can cover a distance of 20 to 24 miles per day.
Cows are poor milkers but attempts have been made to improve their
milking qualities.
Reference:
Joshi, N.R., Phillips, R.W. (1953) Zebu
Cattle of India and Pakistan, FAO Agriculture Studies No. 19,
Publ. by FAO, Rome, 256 pp.
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