Question

Define Dairy breeds and briefly explain the types of Dairy breeds with examples.

Answer 1

Dairy breeds:
Dairy animals are domesticated for obtaining milk. The cows (milk producing females) are high milk yielders (milch animals).

• The dairy breeds may be indigenous breeds (or) exotic breeds.

Indigenous breeds:

• Indigenous breeds are native of India.
• They include Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Deoni and Gir. These cattle are well built with strong limbs, prominent hump and loose skin.
• Milk production depends on the duration of the lactation period (the period of milk production after the birth of a calf).
• These local breed animals show excellent resistant to diseases.

Exotic breeds :
The exotic breeds (Bos taurus) are imported from foreign countries.

• They include Jersey, Brown Swiss and Holstein-Friesian etc. These foreign breeds are selected for long lactation periods.
• The Indian (local) breeds and foreign breeds can be cross bred to produce animals with both desired qualities.