Origin
The Siri has a hump that is thoracic and muscular-fatty.
Presumably Siri cattle have some blood from the cattle in Tibet.
Small cattle with similar black and white markings
have been found in Sikong Province of China, which occupies a portion
of the Tibetan highlands northeast of Bhutan. Siri cattle crossed
with Nepali cattle look like Siri, but they can be distinguished by
their color pattern and position of hump and horns. These are known
as Kachcha Siri or imitation Siri cattle.
Characteristics
The color most frequently seen are black and
white or extensive solid black, in color patterns similar to that
of Holstein-Friesians. The animal carries a thick coat all the year
round, and it is generally believed that this protects them from heavy
rains and severe cold.
The general form of the animal is massive.
The head is small, square cut and well set on. The forehead is wide
and flat. The horns are sharp and directed forward and is usually
covered with a tuft of long coarse hair. The position of the hump
is slightly forward compared with that of other Zebu breeds.
The dewlap is moderately developed and the
sheath in the male is tight. Strong legs and feet are characteristics
of this breed. The hooves are broad but strong. The udders of the
cows are well developed.
It is observed that the animals of this breed can stand the rugged
conditions of the mountains very well. When the animals are brought
down to the plains they do not seem to do so well.
Bulls are eagerly sought after for draft purposes
due to their size and reputed great strength. They are also used for
agricultural work such as plowing, cultivating, threshing, etc.
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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