Rathi Cattle Breed: Characteristics, Origin, Milk Production & Uses

Rathi cattle are a popular milch breed found in Rajasthan's desert areas. For the farmers in this area, this breed is a vital source of income. It is named after a pastoral group known as the Raths, who are Muslims of Rajput descent and live a nomadic lifestyle. Rathi animals are particularly abundant in Bikaner district's Loonkaransar tehsil, popularly known as the Rathi tract.

The breeding tract of this breed is located in Rajasthan's Bikaner, Ganganagar, and Jaisalmer districts, in the middle of the Thar Desert. Rathi cattle are considered to have arisen through the crossbreeding of Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, and Dhanni breeds, with a heavy Sahiwal bloodline. The animals' coats are normally brown with white spots all over them, although they can also be totally brown or black with white patches.

The eco-system in its natural habitat is fragile, and the fields are less fruitful and provide poor yields. The region is known for its scorching summers (50 degrees Celsius), frigid winters (2 degrees Celsius), dry monsoons (less than 200 mm of rainfall per year), and dust storms. Rathi cows are productive and efficient milkers. The cows produce 1560 kgs of milk on average. Lactation milk yields vary between 1062 and 2810 kg. At the farmer's doorstep, selected cows generated roughly 4800 kg.

Rathi Cattle Breed Characteristics

Rathi cattle are medium-sized animals with white spots all over their bodies and are generally brown in colour. They can also be found with a fully black or brown coat with white spots.

In comparison to the rest of their body, their lower body portions are generally lighter in hue. Their horns are modest in size, and they curve outward, upward, and inward. Between their eyes, their face is wide and somewhat dished. They have a long tail and a beautiful, flowing dewlap.

Rathi Cattle Breed Uses

Rathi cattle have a dual role. They are utilised to produce milk as well as for draught purposes.

Speciality Of The Rathi Cattle Breed

Rathi cattle are extremely resilient creatures. The eco-system in its natural habitat is fragile, and the fields are less fruitful and produce relatively little. The region is known for its cold winters, dry monsoons, dust storms, and hot summers. These animals, on the other hand, are well acclimated to this habitat and can produce well in it. The cows are productive and efficient milk producers.

In the table below, you'll find the whole breed profile for this breed.