The Hallikar cattle are a Bos indicus breed of cattle selected primarily for draft purposes. It is native to the state of Karnataka, India. It is considered one of the premier draft cattle breeds in India.
The breed is often raised by the families who have specialized in production of Hallikar draft animals for hundreds of years.
Currently the breed is more common in the traditional Hallikar belt of Mysore, Mandya, Hassan and Tumkur districts of South Karnataka.
Hallikar Cattle Full Breed Information
The Hallikar cattle is one of the two breeds, along with Amrit Mahal which have received the royal patronage and care from the erstwhile sultans and princely state of Mysore through conservation and development.
The breed is said to have originated from the Amrit Mahal cattle breed. The Department of Posts, Government of India has commemorated the Hallikar cattle breed by releasing a postage stamp in it’s name in the year 2000 A.D. Read more information about the breed below.
Physical Characteristics
Hallikar cattle are smaller sized animals with moderate to long height and medium size of the body. They are generally white to grey in color and occasionally black complexions.
There are white markings or irregular patches around their eyes, cheeks, neck or in the shoulder region are also found. Both bulls and cows have horns. And their horns are long, vertical and backward bending.
The bulls have large humps, while the cows have relatively small humps than the bulls. Young breeding Hallikar bulls have dark shade on shoulder and hindquarters. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Housing
Housing requirement of these animals is very simple. They will be happy if you can arrange basic housing requirement for them. Clean the house on a regular basis and try to keep it dry.
Feeding
Feeding the cattle with very good quality and nutritious food is very important. So, try to feed them good food for keeping them stay healthy and active.
Breeding
Hallikar cattle are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily without human intervention if you keep just one male Hallikar in your herd.
Caring
These animals are extremely strong and hardy. And they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will them to stay healthy and active. Ensure good shelter for them, feed them nutritious food, and always try to monitor their health on a regular basis.
Uses
Hallikar cattle are mainly used as a draft animal. It is considered as one of the premier draft cattle breeds in India. The cows are average milkers.
Special Notes
These cattle are very hardy and active animals. The bulls are known for their strength and edurance and are primarily used for draft purposes.
Along with normal draft purposes, the breed is also used for cart racing. A team of Hallikar oxen can pull a loaded cart over rough roads once trained at a rate of 40 miles per day.
These animals are maintained in semi-intensive management system by professional breeders. They can perform well if feed with green fodder chiefly comprises finger-millet, grass, sorghum or pearl-millet.
The cows are average milk producers, and on average can produce about 542 kg of milk per lactation. Milk of the cows is of very good quality.
Their milk on average contain about 5.7 percent of fat content. Read full breed profile of this excellent Indian cattle breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Hallikar |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Draft |
| Special Notes | Very hardy, active, well adapted to native climates, good quality milk |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Coat Color | White to grey and occasionally black complexions |
| Horned | Yes |
| Milk Yield | Average |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | India |
Hallikar Cattle Facts
The Hallikar cattle breed is one of the oldest breeds of cattle found in India. They are known for their robust and adaptable nature, making them a popular choice among farmers in southern India. Here are some of the top Hallikar cattle facts you need to know:
- Origin: Hallikar cattle are native to the southern state of Karnataka in India.
- Appearance: These cattle have a distinct appearance with a muscular body, long ears, and a narrow head. Their coat color varies from light grey to dark grey or black.
- Size: They are medium-sized cattle with a height of around 4 to 5 feet at the shoulder and weigh between 400 and 500 kg.
- Adaptability: Hallikar cattle are well-suited for the hot and humid climate of southern India, as they are resistant to many common diseases.
- Milk production: They are primarily used for milk production and can produce up to 6 liters of milk per day.
- Strength: Hallikar cattle are also used for agricultural purposes due to their strength and endurance. They can pull heavy loads and work in the fields for long hours.
- Longevity: These cattle are known for their longevity, with a lifespan of up to 20 years.
- Grazing: They are predominantly grass-fed, as they have a high tolerance for low-quality forage.
- Docile nature: Hallikar cattle are known for their docile nature, making them easy to handle and manage.
- Breeding: They are bred using natural breeding techniques and are known for their high fertility rates.
- Endangered breed: Unfortunately, the Hallikar cattle breed is now endangered due to the introduction of more productive breeds.
- Preservation efforts: Various government and non-governmental organizations are working towards the preservation of this breed through breeding programs and awareness campaigns.
- Cultural significance: Hallikar cattle have significant cultural and religious importance in southern India, where they are used in various festivals and rituals.
- Genetic diversity: The Hallikar breed has a high degree of genetic diversity, making it an important genetic resource for the future.
- Interbreeding: There have been successful attempts to interbreed Hallikar cattle with other breeds to improve their milk production and disease resistance.
- Quality of meat: The meat of Hallikar cattle is known for its tenderness and flavor, making it a popular choice among consumers.
- Export potential: Hallikar cattle have the potential for export, with demand increasing for the breed in other countries.
- Historical significance: Hallikar cattle have been used for transportation purposes in southern India for centuries. They were used to pull carts and carry goods to markets.
- Climate tolerance: The Hallikar cattle breed is well-suited for the hot and humid climate of southern India, as they have adapted to the local environmental conditions.
- Social status: In some regions of southern India, owning Hallikar cattle is considered a status symbol, as they are a sign of wealth and prosperity.
- Milk quality: Hallikar cattle produce milk that is high in fat content, making it ideal for the production of ghee, a clarified butter used in Indian cuisine.
- Working conditions: Hallikar cattle are able to work in harsh working conditions, such as in flooded paddy fields, due to their endurance and adaptability.
- Traditional use: In addition to agricultural and transportation purposes, Hallikar cattle were also used for traditional medicine and Ayurvedic practices in southern India.
- Coat color: Although most Hallikar cattle have a grey or black coat color, there are also some brown and white varieties.
- Natural diet: Hallikar cattle are primarily fed on natural forage, such as grass and hay, which contributes to the quality of their milk and meat.
- Breeding patterns: Hallikar cattle are typically bred through selective breeding techniques, where only the best specimens are used for reproduction.
- Local breeds: Hallikar cattle are one of many local cattle breeds found in India, each with their unique characteristics and uses.
- International recognition: The Hallikar cattle breed has been recognized internationally for its unique characteristics and potential for use in sustainable agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Many people ask about this cattle breed. So, here we are tying to answer some questions related to Hallikar cattle breed. Feel free to ask if you have more questions about this breed.
Where is the origin of Hallikar breed cow considered?
India. And it is mainly found in Mandya, Bangalore, Mysore, Tumkur, Kolar and Chitradurga districts of South Karnataka state.
How much milk does Hallikar cow give?
Average milk yield of a cow per lactation is 542 kg ranging from 227-1134 kg. And average fat content in their milk is about 5.7%, which is much higher than many other cattle breeds.
Is Hallikar a desi cow?
YES, Hallikar is a deshi Indian cow breed.
What is Hallikar cow ghee?
The ghee which is made from Hallicar cow is called Hallikar cow ghee.
How much a Hallikar bull price?
Depends on numerous factors. Please visit your local or any nearest livestock market to know the latest price.
How much Hallikar cow milk yield per day?
Average milk yield of a Hallikar cow is between 2 and 3 kg.
How much a Hallikar cow weight?
Average live body weight of a cow is around 227 kg. And a bull’s average body weight is around 340 kg.
What is the lifespan of a Hallikar cow?
Average lifespan of a Hallikar cow is around or up to 15 years.
What is the meaning of Hallikar?
Hallikar (Kannada: ಹಳ್ಳಿಕಾರ್) is a breed of cattle native to the state of Karnataka, India.
What are the Hallikar cow ghee benefits?
Hallikar cow ghee helps in the absorption of vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins.
What are the Hallikar cow milk benefits?
Hallikar cow’s milk contain high fat content and is highly nutritious. It is considered to have numerous health benefits.
How much Hallikar cow milk price?
Hallikar cow milk is considered to have numerous health benefits. So, this milk is generally sold at relatively high price in the market. Although, exact price can vary from place to place. In India, average selling price of 1 liter Hallikar cow’s milk is around 50 Indian Rupee.
What are the main characteristics of a Hallikar cow?
Long, vertical and backward bending horns, large humps in males, moderate to long height and medium size of the body, and white to grey and occasionally black complexions, are the main characteristics of this breed.
Hallikar cow vs Gir cow, which is better?
Both are good. And milk of both breeds is of very high quality. But Gir cow is more common and popular than the Hallikar cow.
