Hallikar Cow : Pride of Karnataka’s Agricultural Heritage

In India, Hallikar cows are among the most revered and ancient varieties of cattle. They thrive in the Indian environment and are renowned for their power and durability. We will present you a thorough rundown on Hallikar in this post, including their background, traits, nature, and advantages of owning one.

Hallikar : An Overview

Hallikar is a native breed of cow that came from the Karnataka region, the erstwhile princely kingdom of Vijayanagar. The Karnataka districts of Mysore, Mandya, Hassan, Bangalore, Kolar, Chitradurga, and Tumkur are home to the majority of this species.

The Mysore breed is another name for them. It is regarded as one of South India’s top drought breeds. The Cow is the ancestor of most modern varieties found in South India, including the Amrit Mahal cow variety.

Highlight of Hallikar 

History of Hallikar Cow 

The history of Hallikar Cow is extensive and goes all the way back to the 12th century. Originally cultivated for agricultural usage, they came from the southern Indian state of Karnataka. These cattle were highly valued because they could labor in the fields for extended periods of time without becoming tired. The breed gained popularity across India throughout time, and it is currently regarded as one of the greatest cow breeds there.

Characteristics of Hallikar Cow

Given below are the few Characteristics of these cow are:- 

• The main attributes of this breed that make it famous are its trotting and draught skills.
• This breed’s hue spans from gray to dark gray, with prominent shading on the front and back sections. Along with the underbelly, they have light gray markings on the face and dewlap.
• These are powerful, medium-sized animals with enormous, almost projecting foreheads.
• Their legs are long and narrow, and their bodies are lengthy and compact.
• Their faces vary in hue from gray to black and are lengthy and tapering towards the muzzle.
• Their horns are long, curved backward, and vertical.
• Males have disproportionately huge humps.
• These animals have thin, moderately developed dewlaps.
• The sheath is tiny and nestled within the body.
• The tail is in good condition, with a black switch extending just below the hocks.
• Adult males and females weigh around 340 and 227 kgs, respectively.
• The age of first calving varies between 915 and 1,800 days.
• Lactation milk output averages roughly 540 kgs, with a fat content of about 5.7%.
• Lactation lasts an average of 285 days, with a calving interval of roughly 600 days.

Where is the Hallikar breed found?

The Karnataka region known as the Hallikar belt is home to the Hallikar cattle. They may be found in the districts of Tumkur, Hassan, Mysore, and Mandya. These are south Karnataka districts.

Advantages of Keeping Hallikar Cows 

The following are some advantages of keeping cattle:

• Primarily, these animals exhibit high productivity, yielding significant quantities of both meat and milk.
• Additionally, their exceptional adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse climates and conditions. 
• Small-scale farmers adore them because of how simple they are to handle and administer.

In Conclusion

The Hallikar, a symbol of resilience, power, and adaptation, honors Karnataka’s agricultural past. These medium-sized cattle date back to the 12th century and are very productive and drought-capable in the warm environment of southern India. The Cow is a source of pride for Karnataka, is still seen as a valuable asset by farmers and represents adaptability to changing circumstances.

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