Dairy Farming Breeds and Selection: A Complete Guide for Indian Farmers

 Explore top indigenous and exotic dairy breeds in India like Gir, Sahiwal, Holstein, Jersey, and more. Learn how to select the best cow breed for your region, climate, and milk production goals with this complete guide to dairy farming breeds and selection.

Introduction: Why Breed Selection is the Foundation of Profitable Dairy Farming

In India, where dairy farming supports millions of rural households, choosing the right cattle breed is critical for long-term success. Whether you're a small-scale farmer or planning a commercial dairy farm, breed selection determines milk yield, animal health, adaptability to climate, and profitability.

India is blessed with high-yielding indigenous breeds like Gir and Sahiwal and has also seen success with exotic breeds such as Holstein Friesian and Jersey. Many farmers are now adopting crossbreeding to combine the best traits of both.

This blog will help you:

• Understand the top dairy cow breeds in India (both indigenous and exotic),

• Learn how to select a suitable breed based on climate, feeding system, and market demand,

• Explore crossbreeding and genetic potential, and

• Make informed decisions that improve milk yield, animal health, and profits.

                                                                      

Indigenous Dairy Breeds in India

India has some of the world’s best native breeds known for their adaptability to local climates, disease resistance, and decent milk production with low maintenance.

A) Gir

• Origin: Gujarat

• Milk Yield: 12–20 liters/day

• Key Features: Large hump, long ears, docile nature

• Strengths: Heat tolerance, high resistance to diseases

• Best For: Dry, semi-arid, and hot regions

B) Sahiwal

• Origin: Punjab (India-Pakistan border)

• Milk Yield: 10–18 liters/day

• Key Features: Brownish red coat, calm temperament

• Strengths: High butterfat content (4.5–5%), good fertility

• Best For: Northern and Central India

C) Red Sindhi

• Origin: Sindh region

• Milk Yield: 8–15 liters/day

• Strengths: Adapted to hot climates, good for dual-purpose (milk & draught)

• Best For: Southern states and coastal India

D) Tharparkar

• Origin: Rajasthan

• Milk Yield: 8–12 liters/day

• Strengths: Good for drought-prone regions, disease resistance

• Best For: Arid zones with limited fodder availability

E) Ongole

• Origin: Andhra Pradesh

• Milk Yield: 5–8 liters/day

• Strengths: Strong and muscular breed, also used for draught

• Best For: Coastal and inland Andhra regions F) Rathi

• Origin: Rajasthan

• Milk Yield: 10–15 liters/day

• Strengths: Calm nature, thrives on local feed, adaptable

• Best For: Hot, dry climates

                                                                       

Exotic Dairy Breeds in India

Exotic breeds are known for high milk productivity, but require careful management, better feed, and housing.

A) Holstein Friesian (HF)

• Origin: Netherlands

• Milk Yield: 20–30 liters/day

• Key Features: Black and white spotted body

• Challenges: Poor heat tolerance, susceptible to disease

• Best For: Northern India and cooler regions with access to proper housing and feeding

B) Jersey

• Origin: Channel Islands (UK)

• Milk Yield: 15–25 liters/day

• Key Features: Fawn color, small body frame

• Strengths: High butterfat content (up to 6%), efficient feed converter

• Best For: Moderate climates, ideal for medium-scale farms

C) Brown Swiss

• Origin: Switzerland

• Milk Yield: 15–25 liters/day

• Strengths: Longevity, strong legs, good temperament

• Best For: Farmers looking for balance between quantity and quality of milk

                                                                       

  

Crossbreeding: Best of Both Worlds

Crossbreeding combines the best traits of indigenous and exotic breeds. This method is popular among progressive farmers and dairy cooperatives.

Advantages of Crossbreeding

• Higher milk yield than native breeds

• Better climate adaptability than exotic breeds

• Improved fertility and disease resistance

Popular Crossbreeds in India

1. Holstein × Gir – High milk yield, adaptable to heat

2. Jersey × Sahiwal – High fat content and heat resistance

3. HF × Red Sindhi – High productivity with local hardiness

Note: Crossbreds should be managed carefully with proper housing, feeding, and vaccination to maximize their hybrid vigor.

                                                                     

 

Breed Selection Criteria: What to Consider Before Buying Dairy Cattle

Choosing the right breed is not just about milk yield. Here are essential criteria:

1. Climate Adaptability

• HF breeds perform poorly in high heat without shelter.

• Indigenous breeds like Gir or Sahiwal thrive in hot, dry climates.

2. Milk Yield and Fat Content

• Holstein = Quantity | Jersey = Quality

• Choose based on your market: Liquid milk vs ghee, paneer, butter.

3. Feeding and Management Capacity

• Exotic and crossbreeds require green fodder, minerals, and shelter.

• Native breeds can manage on crop residues and dry fodder.

4. Disease Resistance and Longevity

• Native and crossbreeds tend to live longer and resist diseases better.

5. Breeding Efficiency and Calving Interval

• Short calving intervals = More lactation = More profit

• Jerseys and Sahiwals perform well on this metric

6. Cost and Return on Investment (ROI)

• Exotic cows are expensive (₹80,000–₹1.5 lakhs) but yield more.

• Indigenous cows (₹40,000–₹80,000) are more economical for small farmers.

                                                                        

Matching Breeds to Indian Agro-Climatic Zones

Hot and Dry Regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP)

• Best Breeds: Gir, Tharparkar, Rathi, Sahiwal

Humid and Coastal Areas (Kerala, TN, Bengal)

• Best Breeds: Red Sindhi, Jersey, Crossbreeds

Hilly and Temperate Zones (Himachal, NE States)

• Best Breeds: Jersey, Holstein (under shelter), Brown Swiss

Plains and Irrigated Zones (Punjab, Haryana, UP)

• Best Breeds: HF, Crossbreds (HF×Sahiwal), Sahiwal

Tip: Always buy from government-certified breeding centers or reputable farms.

Government Schemes for Dairy Breed Development

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM): Promotes indigenous breed improvement

• National Dairy Development Board (NDDB): Supports genetic improvement, AI centers

• Subsidies on Artificial Insemination (AI): Available in most states

Visit https://dahd.nic.in for more official information.

                                                                            

Technologies Supporting Breed Selection

• Artificial Insemination (AI)

• Progeny Testing

• Genomic Selection Tools

• Heat Detection Sensors for improved calving management

Summary Table of Breeds at a Glance

Breed TypeBreed NameAvg Milk YieldFat %Suitable Region

IndigenousGir12–20 L4.5%Hot, dry

IndigenousSahiwal10–18 L5.0%Plains

ExoticHolstein20–30 L3.5%Temperate, irrigated

ExoticJersey15–25 L5.5%Humid, coastal

CrossbreedHF × Sahiwal18–25 L4.5%North/Central India

                                                                                    

Conclusion: Breed Wisely, Farm Smartly

Choosing the right breed is the first step in your dairy farming journey. Whether you go for an indigenous cow like Gir or an HF crossbreed, make sure your farm’s environment, feeding system, and market demand align with the animal’s needs.

A well-matched breed can boost your productivity, profits, and peace of mind. Consult a local veterinarian or dairy expert before making a final decision.

suggested Reading

1.Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR

2.Department of Animal Husbandry – Govt of India

3. How to Start a Profitable Dairy Farm Business in India – Investment, Profit, Government Subsidy

4.Complete Dairy Cow Management Guide: Nutrition, Breeding & Health