However with the introduction
of irrigation to the region they began to be kept in smaller numbers
by the farmers of the region, who used them as draft and dairy animals.
The Sahiwal is one of the best dairy breeds
in India and Pakistan. It is tick-resistant, heat-tolerant and noted
for its high resistance to parasites, both internal and external.
Cows average 2270 kg of milk during a lactation
while suckling a calf and much higher milk yields have been recorded.
Due to their heat tolerance and high milk production they have been
exported to other Asian countries as well as Africa and the Caribbean.
As oxen they are generally docile and lethargic,
making them more useful for slow work.
Their color can range from reddish brown through
to the more predominant red, with varying amounts of white on the
neck, and the underline. In males the color darkens towards the extremities,
such as the head, legs and tails.
The Sahiwal in Australia
Sahiwal arrived in Australia via New Guinea
in the early 1950’s. In Australia, the Sahiwal was initially selected
as a dual-purpose breed.
It played a valuable role in the development
of the two Australian tropical dairy breeds, the Australian Milking
Zebu and the Australian Fresian Sahiwal.
Sahiwals are now predominately used in Australia
for beef production, as crossing high grade Sahiwal sires with Bos
taurus animals produced a carcass of lean quality with desirable
fat cover.
The Sahiwal is the heaviest milker of all Zebu
breeds and display a well developed udder. Sahiwals demonstrate the
ability to sire small, fast-growing calves and are noted for their
hardiness under unfavorable climatic conditions.
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)
