🐄 Cow Breeds — Indian & Exotic

Introduction to Indian Cattle

Indian cattle are broadly divided into two species based on their evolutionary origin. Understanding this classification is the starting point for all breed-related questions in competitive exams.

• Scientific classification: Indian cows belong to Bos Indicus (desi) while foreign cows are Bos Taurus (videshi). The key anatomical difference is that Bos Indicus cattle possess a prominent hump and dewlap (loose skin fold under the neck), which are absent in Bos Taurus.
• Recognized breeds in India: 53 (as per NBAGR) — the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources maintains the official registry of all indigenous livestock breeds.
• Chromosome number: 2n = 60 — this is the same for both Indian and exotic cattle, which is why crossbreeding between the two is genetically possible.
• Casein protein: Indian cows are classified by A-2 casein protein, which is linked to acid content in milk. A-2 milk is considered easier to digest and is a major selling point for desi cow milk in the market.
• Gaumatra (cow urine): DNA studies confirm antioxidant capacity — this has cultural and emerging scientific significance in India.
• Feeding habit: Grazing — cattle are natural grazers, preferring grass and ground-level vegetation (unlike goats, which are browsers).
• Two main categories:
  • Desi (Bos Indicus): Also called T-cup cow — indigenous Indian breeds with hump and dewlap. They are well-adapted to tropical heat and have higher disease resistance.
  • Videshi (Bos Taurus): Exotic/foreign breeds — higher milk yield but less heat tolerant. They require more intensive management and controlled environments.