Origin
The Gaolao cattle fit into the group
of shorthorned, white or light-gray in color, with a long coffin-shaped
skull, orbital arches not prominent and with a face slightly
convex in profile.
It is also observed that the native home
of the breed is located along the route taken by the Rig Vedic
Aryans from the Northern passes through Central India to the
South.
There is a close similarity between the
Ongole and the Gaolao except the latter are much lighter, with
greater agility.
It is said that the Marathas developed this breed into
a fast-trotting type suitable for quick army transport in the
hilly areas of Gondwana, Madhya Pradesh.
It was used mainly for military purposes
by the Maratha army when invading the local Gond Kingdom.
Old historical records show that the
breed had fair milk-producing capacity, but during the last
two centuries selection has been directed mainly towards developing
a capacity for quick draft.
The breed is found principally in the
districts of Wardha, Nagpur and Chindwara.
Characteristics
Gaolao animals are of medium height,
or rather light build and tend to be narrow and long. The head
is markedly long and narrow with a straight profile usually
tapering towards the muzzle and somewhat broader at the base
of the horns.
The forehead is usually flat, though
it appears to recede at the top, giving a slightly convex appearance.
The eyes are almond-shaped and placed slightly at angles.
The ears are of medium size and are carried
high. The horns are short and stumpy, blunt at the points and
commonly slope slightly backwards.
The neck is short, with a moderately well-developed hump,
which is usually loose and hangs on one side. The hind quarters
are slightly drooping. Limbs are straight and muscular.
Hooves are of medium size, hard and durable,
and suited to hard road and hillside work. The dewlap is large
but the sheath is only moderately developed. The skin is thin
but loose.
The tail is comparatively short, reaching
only a little below the hocks. Females are usually white and
males gray over the neck, hump and quarters.
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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