The Red Sindhi originated in the Pakistani
state of Sind but due to its hardiness, heat resistance and high milk
yields they have spread into many parts of India and at least 33 countries
in Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas.
Under good management conditions the Red Sindhi
averages over 1700 kg of milk after suckling their calves but under
optimum conditions there have been milk yields of over 3400 kg per
lactation.
The average height of a Red Sindhi cow is 116
cm with a body weight of 340 kg. Bulls average 134 cm in height and
a body weight of 420 kg. They are normally a deep, rich red color
but this can vary from a yellowish brown to dark brown.
Males are darker than females and when mature
may be almost black on the extremities, such as the head, feet and
tail.
Red Sindhi in Australia
Red Sindhi cattle arrived in Australia in 1954
from Pakistan, as a gift to the Australian Government. While traditionally
considered a milking breed they have been successfully used in crossing
systems with British breeds to produce tropical beef types.
In Australia, they have been an adaptable,
hardy breed, good foragers and have a high degree of resistance to
heat and ticks.
Reference:
Handbook of Australian Livestock, Australian
Meat & Livestock Corporation,1989, 3rd Edition
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:
Handbook of Australian Livestock, Australian
Meat & Livestock Corporation,1989, 3rd Edition (Picture #1)
R. E. McDowell, Professor Emeritus of International
Animal Science, Cornell University, and provided by Paul O. Brackelsberg,
Professor of Animal Science, Iowa State University (Picture #2)
