6 Vet Info-H • Sep–Dec 2023 • Vol 11 • No. 4 Hallikar Physical Characteristics They have a white to gray coat. Some animals with a gray coat have irregular white patches around the eyes, cheeks, neck, and shoulders. Some young breeding bulls have dark gray shoulders and hindquarters. The bulls have large humps, are moderately tall, and have a medium-sized body. They have lengthy, upward, and slightly curved horns bent backward. An adult bull weighs about 340 kg, and an adult cow weighs about 227 kg. Reproduction and Lactation The age at first calving ranges from 915 to 1800 days. The average length of lactation is 285 days. A Hallikar cow can produce about 542 kg milk per lactation. The drying off period is around 60 days, and the intercalving cycle is 12 to 14 months. The Hallikar cows are average milk yielders in terms of quantity, but the milk is of good quality, with a 5.7% fat content. Commercial Uses The Hallikar is predominantly a draft cattle breed; for centuries the breed has been used to pull carts and carry goods. These cattle can work in harsh conditions such as flooded paddy fields. Hence, they are known for their endurance and adaptability. As the milk has high fat content, it is used to produce ghee. Besides, there is an increasing demand for this breed in other countries, indicating a potential for export. Sources: Dairy Knowledge Portal. Hallikar. https://www.dairyknowledge.in/. Accessed June 21, 2023. Om Prakruthi Dhama. Hallikar. https://saveindiancows.org/. Accessed June 21, 2023. Roy’s Farm. Hallikar cattle: characteristics, uses & best 28 facts. https://www.roysfarm.com/. Updated April 1, 2023. Accessed June 21, 2023. Breed Profile The Hallikar is a South Indian cattle breed known for its draft capacity. The breeding tract includes the Mysuru, Mandya, Bengaluru, Kolar, Tumakuru, Hassan, and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka (India). Also known as the Mysore breed, the Hallikar is one of the breeds that has trotting ability. Many other South Indian cattle breeds, such as the Amrit Mahal breed, have originated from the Hallikar. Image courtesy: Shivu R, Veterinary Sales Executive, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
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