Considered one of the premier draft breeds in India they are often raised
by families who have specialized in production of Hallikar draft animals
for hundreds of years.
It is not unusual for a cow to be brought 100
miles to mated with a bull from these breeders. They are found primarily
in the southern region of Karnataka state, in the area surrounding Mysore,
in the bottom of the Indian peninsula. In addition to normal draft uses
the breed is also used for cart racing.
Once trained, a team of Hallikar oxen can pull
a loaded cart over rough roads at a rate of 40 miles per day.
The typical color is dark grey. The Hallikar
are the origin of the Amritmahal breed.
Reference:
Genus Bos: Cattle Breeds of the World, 1985,
MSO-AGVET (Merck & Co., Inc.), Rahway, N.J.
Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock
Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International. 273
pp.
Photographs:
R. E. McDowell, Professor Emeritus of International
Animal Science, Cornell University, and provided by Paul O. Brackelsberg,
Professor of Animal Science, Iowa State University
