The Mewati cattle are an indigenous breed of cattle in India. They are manly used for milk production and for draft prowess, and they are also sometimes called Kosi.
The breed is named after Mewat in Haryana state where they are mostly found. They are called Kosi, because a large numbers of Mewati cattle breed sold from the market at Kosi. It is a small town in the district of Mathura.
These cattle are similar in type to the Haryanvi cattle breeds, but show definite evidence of Gir blood. Native habitats of the Nagori and Rath cattle being adjacent to Mewat.
And these two cattle breeds (Nagori and Rath) may also have contributed to the formation of the Mewati cattle. Read some more information about the breed below.
Mewati Cattle Characteristics
Mewati cattle are mostly of white color with the rare occurrence of brown shades. Their neck, quarters and shoulders are of a darker shade. Some animals occasionally have Gir cattle coloration.
Both cows and bulls usually have horns. Their horns emerge from the outer angles of the poll and are inclined to turn backwards at the points. They have long and narrow face with the forehead slightly bulging.
Eyes of the Mewati cattle are prominent which are surrounded by a very dark rim. The ears are pendulous but not so long. Upper lip of the animals is thick and overhanging and the muzzle is wide and square.
This give the upper part of the nose a contracted appearance. Muzzle of the animals is pitch black in color.
Legs of the Mewati cattle are relatively long and the frame of the body gives an impressions of being loosely built. Their legs are fine and round with strong, somewhat large hooves, well-rounded in shape.
Their neck and the whole frame is strong but the limbs are light. The head and neck show an upright carriage. Their chest is deep but the rimbs are flat.
They have beautiful dewlap, and their dewlap is hanging but not very loose. Their sheath is also loose but not pendulous. They have long tail, and the tuft nearly reaching the heels.
The bulls are beautiful and the cows have well developed udders. Info from ansi.okstate.edu and photo from Dairy Knowledge.
Uses
The Mewati cattle are dual purpose animals. They are used for milk production in their native areas. And they are also used for draft prowess.
Special Notes
Mewati cattle are well known for their strength and endurance. And they are mainly employed for agricultural works and carting purposes, and also used for drawing water from deep wells.
They are generally docile in temperament. The cows are said to be good milk producers. However, review full breed profile of the Mewati cattle in the following chart.
Breed Name | Mewati |
Other Name | Kosi |
Breed Purpose | Mainly milk also draft |
Special Notes | Strong, hardy, powerful, docile |
Breed Size | Small to medium |
Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
Coat Color | Mainly white |
Horned | Yes |
Milk Yield | Good |
Rarity | Common |
Country/Place of Origin | India |