Red Sindhi is one of the primary breed among Indian zebu cattle, The breed originated in the Sindh province, Currently, this is in Pakistan after India-Pakistan partition.
| Name | Red Sindhi |
| Habitat | Found in Sindh Pradesh of Pakistan & Orissa, Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan & Punjab states of India. |
| Body Colour | Dark Red |
| Body Size | Medium size well proportionate compact body confirmation |
| Forehead | Mild bulging forehead |
| Horns | About 12-14″ in size & grow upward & backwards |
Red Sindhi cattle are the most popular of all Zebu dairy breeds. The Red sindhi breed originated in the Sindh province of Pakistan, they are widely kept for milk production across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka. They have been used for crossbreeding with temperate (European) origin dairy breeds in many countries to combine their tropical adaptations (heat tolerance, tick resistance, disease resistance, fertility at higher temperatures, etc.) Red sindhi has been crossed with Jerseys in many places, including India, the United States, Australia, Sri Lanka, etc. It is somewhat smaller than the very similar Sahiwal and produces a little less milk per animal as a result. They are distinguished from the other dairy breed of Sindh, the Tharparkar or White Sindhi, both by colour and form, the Red Sindhi is smaller, rounder, with a more typical dairy form, and with short, curved horns, while the Tharparkar is taller with a shape more typical of Zebu draft breeds and with longer
The Red Sindhi originated in the Pakistani state of Sind but due to its hardiness, heat resistance and high milk yields they have spread into many parts of India and at least 33 countries in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
Under good management conditions, the Red Sindhi averages over 1700 kg of milk after suckling their calves but under optimum conditions, Red sindhi have been milk yields of over 3400 kg per lactation.
The average height of a Red Sindhi cow is 116 cm with a bodyweight of 340 kg. Bulls average 134 cm in height and a bodyweight of 420 kg. Red sindhi are normally a deep, rich red colour but this can vary from a yellowish-brown to dark brown. Males are darker than females and when mature may be almost black on the extremities, such as the head, feet, and tail.
Here are some interesting points about the Red Sindhi cattle breedc:
- Red Sindhi cattle are highly valued in India and Pakistan for their meat, milk, and hide, and are considered to be one of the most productive cattle breeds in the region.
- The breed is known for its distinctive red coat, which ranges from a light reddish-brown to a dark, almost mahogany color.
- Red Sindhi cattle are highly adaptable to hot and humid environments, which makes them an ideal choice for farmers in tropical regions.
- The breed has a high resistance to tick-borne diseases, which is a significant problem for cattle farmers in some regions.
- Red Sindhi cattle are highly fertile and have a high twinning rate, which means that they often give birth to twins, and in some cases, even triplets.
- The breed is known for its docile and friendly nature, making them easy to handle and work with.
- Red Sindhi cattle are excellent milk producers, with some cows producing up to 10 liters of milk per day.
- The breed is highly prized for its meat, which is lean and flavorful, with a distinctive texture and aroma.
- Red Sindhi cattle have a long lifespan, with some cows living up to 20 years or more.
- The breed is highly sought after by farmers worldwide, with breeding programs and import/export activities increasing in recent years.