Once there was a time when local desi Indian cow breeds produced a high milk yield. It was easy for desi cows to produce 20 to 25 liters of milk daily without any hesitation.
But in the present time, things are changed. How many times do people talk about desi cows for the dairy farming business? Most people are now interested in Foreign breeds like Jersey and HF like cows.
Let's understand the Sahiwal cow and her performance in the dairy farming business.
Sahiwal cow and milk production
Let's start with identity terms of Sahiwal cow to identify a pure Sahiwal cow breed-
Sahiwal cow identity
Head- Sahiwal cow head is long in size and round on forehead in shape.
Weight- Sahiwal cow is a heavyweight animal. The average Sahiwal cow weight is 450 kg.
Color- Mostly, Sahiwal cows are red and brownish in color but sometimes, the color can be a mixture of golden and brown.
Navel- Sahiwal cow navel is 3-4 inches in size. It is almost between the front and back legs.
Eyes- Sahiwal cow eyes are black and looks like lampblack on eye linings.
Galkambal- Sahiwal cow gallkambal starts from chin to the udder. From neck to front legs, the size of the gallkambal is maximum and it is small to the udder.
Hump- The hump on the back is a major identity factor of the Sahiwal cow. If the hump is just perpendicular to the front legs, then it is highly possible that the cow is a pure Sahiwal cow.
Size- Sahiwal cow can be of size 4 to 5 feet in height.
Horns- Sahiwal cow horns are neither big nor curved. Sahiwal cow horns are very small and thick in diameter.
Tale- Sahiwal cow tale is large in width from the top and thin from the bottom.
Survival skills- Sahiwal cow can handle high temperatures. It has a high immunity power and can survive the normal illness. But when Sahiwal cow can't handle diseases, it indicates you.
Behavior- Because of its heavyweight size, the Sahiwal cow sometimes can be aggressive. But once, when they know you, they behave gently toward you. It is also noticed that sometimes Sahiwal cows can be very active to move around.
Sahiwal cow milk per day
Some people claim that they have 25 liters of milk-producing Sahiwal cows. But in reality, it is very difficult to maintain 25 liters of milk production daily.
On average, the Sahiwal cow can produce 12 to 15 liters of milk per day. Sometimes it can be up to 18 liters at the beginning of the lactation period.
It is false to claim that the Sahiwal cow can produce 25 liters of milk during the whole lactation period.
Even the most experienced dairy farmers can get 15 to 20 liters of milk from Sahiwal cow in a lactation period per day.
Sahiwal cow price
Because of being a desi cow breed, Sahiwal cow price is less in comparison to Jersey and HF cows.
In India, you can easily buy a Sahiwal cow for 60,000 INR to 80,000 INR.
Sahiwal cow milk price per liter
Sahiwal cow milk is good for health. In rural areas, Sahiwal cow milk sellS at 80 INR/liter. In cities, Sahiwal cow milk price may cost you 100 INR to 110 INR/Liter.
Sahiwal cow ghee and milk made products are costlier. 1 kg Sahiwal cow ghee price is 1,200 INR.
Where to buy Sahiwal cow?
It is always better to buy dairy farming cattle one by one instead of mass buying. There are high chances of a good-quality breed of Sahiwal you will get if you buy from those who own only 3 to 4 animals. The reason is simple, these people own only quality animals and are not easily ready to sell their animals. You have to convince them to sell and if you have good luck then you will buy a quality breed.
Do not buy those Sahiwal cows whose age is above 5 years. You need to buy younger Sahiwal cows so that you can sustain your dairy farming business for a longer period.
Can Sahiwal cow survive in hill areas?
Sahiwal cows can survive in moderate temperatures. Although the Sahiwal cow is North Indian cow but still too cold temperature and climate conditions are not friendly for the Sahiwal cow. In a hilly region, the Sahiwal cow is good for dairy farming but in snowfall, areas can be disastrous for your dairy farming business with Sahiwal cow.
Sahiwal cow for dairy farming business
There are differences among people about Sahiwal cow performance in the Dairy farming business.
Although in milk production terms, the Sahiwal cow is ideal but in terms of feeding cost, you can debate.
Because of its heavy size, you need to feed extra Sahiwal cow in comparison to another desi breed.
On per day cycle, it will cost you around 120 to 140 INR only on feeding. If you have multiple cows, then it is going to be difficult for you. You need to construct a storage room for cow feed storage.
Including electricity cost(10 INR/day), water cost(30 INR/day), hygiene maintenance, and labor(250 INR/day) it will cost you around 400 to 450 INR per cow. It means, that if you are going to start a Sahiwal cow dairy farm, then you have to invest, 12,000 to 13,500 INR in each cow per month including the dry period.
Considering 15 liters of milk production per day, you will get 450 liters of milk in a month. It will generate, 45,000 INR at least. The total profit margin per month will be 30,500 INR to 32,000 INR.
In a year, you will get milk for up to 10 months(2 months drying period). So in a year, you will get a gross profit of 3,05,000 INR TO 3,20,000 INR. Including 2 months cost of the drying period, you will get 2,78,000 INR to 2,80,000 INR.
Clearly, this profit margin shows an average income in the dairy farming business.