Question

Which one of the following is not an exotic breed of cow.
(a) Jersey
(b) Holstein-Friesian
(c) Sahiwal
(d) Brown Swiss

Answer 1

Hint: An exotic breed is one, which is introduced from foreign. Certain breeds of zebu cattle are known to use in dairy production, which are native to India. These breeds are found endemic to a dry region in the India-Pakistan border. They produce most milk of all zebu breeds, followed by the very similar Red Sindhi and Butana breeds.

Complete answer:
Sahiwal is not an exotic breed. It is a breed of zebu cattle, primarily used in dairy production. The Sahiwal originated in the dry Punjab region which lies along with central Punjab. They are tick-resistant, heat tolerant, and resistant to parasites. Sahiwal is considered a heat-tolerant cattle breed. They were once kept in large herds by professional herdsmen called “Charwahas”. With the introduction of irrigation systems to the region, they began to be kept in smaller numbers by the farmers of the region, who used them as draught and dairy animals. Today the Sahiwal is one of the best dairy breeds in India and Pakistan. Sahiwal is calm when milking. Due to their heat tolerance and high milk production, they have been exported to other Asian countries as well as Africa and the Caribbean.

Additional Information:
- Jersey is a British breed of small dairy cattle from Jersey, in the British Channel Islands. Jersey adapts well to various climates and environments, and unlike many breeds originating in temperate climates, these cows can tolerate heat very well.
- The Brown Swiss or American Brown Swiss is an American breed of dairy cattle. It has been much used for cross-breeding and has influenced a number of modern breeds.
- Holstein Friesians are a breed of dairy cattle originating from the Dutch provinces of North Holland and Friesland, and Schleswig-Holstein in Northern Germany. They are known as the world’s highest-production dairy animals.
So, the correct answer is '(c) Sahiwal'.

Note: Of the more than 800 cattle breeds recognized worldwide, India had 27 acknowledged indigenous breeds of cattle and 7 breeds of buffaloes.
- As of 2018 the ICAR recognized 43 breeds that are indigenous in India, of which two cattle breeds and three buffalo breeds were added in 2018.
- The indigenous cattle breeds of India include; Gir, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Alambadi, Amritmahal, Bargur, Hallikar, Red Kandhari, Malenadu, Kenwariya, Dangi, Bachaur, etc.