Origin
It has acquired the hardiness, agility and
temper of the Khillari with the formation of feet and occasional carroty
color of the muzzle and hooves. Starting from Barwani and Khargone
districts of Madhyabarat, the breed spreads into Khandwa, and parts
of Harda of Madhya Pradesh. It is also bred in adjacent parts of Bombay
State.
In the Satpura ranges of Madhya Pradesh there
is a strain of cattle known as Khamla, which is much smaller in size
but very akin to the Nimari. In addition, the Khamgaon strain
found in Berar may be an offshoot of the Nimari. This breed of cattle
is prized for draft work, though few animals show evidence of fair
milking qualities.
Characteristics
The animals are well-proportioned and compact
in appearance. In general they are red in color with large splashes
of white on various parts of the body. In the Khamgaon strain the
color is occasionally black or light red and white. In the Khamla
strain it is red with a violet tinge and white or yellow and white.
The head is moderately long with a somewhat bulging forehead, it is
carried alertly and gives the animals a graceful appearance. The horns
usually emerge in a backward direction from the outer angles of the
poll, somewhat in the same manner as in Gir cattle, turning upwards
and outwards and finally backwards at the points.
Occasionally, the horns are also like the Khillaris
in size and shape, with copper color and pointed. The ears are moderately
long and wide and are not pendulous. the muzzle in many animals is
either copper-colored or amber-colored.
The body is long, with a straight back and moderately arched ribs
with the quarters usually drooping to some extent. There is a tendency
to prominent hips common to the Gir. The dewlap and sheath are moderately
developed, though the sheath is apt to be pendulous.
The hump in bulls is well-developed and apt
to be hanging at times. The limbs are straight and clean and the tail
is long and thin with a black switch reaching to the ground. Hooves
of the animals are strong and can stand rough wear on stony ground.
The skin is fine and slightly loose. The cows usually have well-developed
udders.
