India is home to several breeds of cattle, but one stands out in terms of magnificence and grandeur, because of its insane horns. The Kankrej, or as Indians call it, the king of cattle is a species of bull or ox known the world over for its intimidating size. Watch the video at the end of this article and you’ll see why the Kankrej is so famous with horns that have no comparison. But, before that, you need to know some facts about the Kankrej.
Kankrej Cattle Originated in Gujarat
Kolkata, Kankrej cattle fair 2024. Source: YouTube, Uploads: Pet Dewangi
The Kankrej is an indigenous breed of zebu cattle originating from the Kankrej region in Gujarat, India. As one of the heaviest cattle in India, it is found in various parts of east and North India including Rajasthan. Male Kankrej are significantly more muscular and heavier than females, with bulls weighing up to 570 kg, while cows weigh around 330-370 kg. The hump in males is particularly pronounced, adding to their overall strength and power.
Characteristics and Appearance
Kankrej cattle come in a variety of colors ranging from silver-gray to iron-gray or steel black. One of the most noticeable features is the lyre-shaped horns, which curve outwards and upwards, reaching impressive lengths and giving the breed its regal appearance. The horns are covered with skin higher than most other cattle breeds, making them a unique identifier. Their broad forehead, large pendulous ears, and strong build further accentuate their majestic stature.
Adaptability and Disease Resistance
Kolkata, Kankrej cattle fair 2024. Source: YouTube, Uploads: Pet Dewangi
Kankrej cattle adapt easily to harsh environmental conditions, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. They are known for their heat tolerance and ability to graze on poor-quality forage, making them ideal for regions with limited resources. Additionally, they have strong resistance to tick-transmitted diseases and show low susceptibility to contagious diseases like tuberculosis. This is why the Kankrej is favored as an export specimen to countries like Brazil where it has been used for developing the American Brahman.
Milk and Draft Utility
Kankrej cattle are primarily known for their draft power, being fast and powerful workers in agricultural settings. They are also good milk producers. Kankrej cows typically produce between 1200 and 1500 kilograms of milk per lactation cycle, with a high-fat content of around 4.8%, making their milk ideal for ghee (Clarified butter) production.
Their calm and docile temperament further enhances their utility, making them easy to handle for both milk production and agricultural work. The bulls, known for their strength, are frequently used for plowing and other heavy-duty tasks, making the breed an essential part of rural livelihoods.
Socio-Economic Importance
Kankrej Bull, Kolkata fair 2023. Source: YouTube, Upload: SA Entertainment
The Kankrej breed holds significant socio-economic importance, especially in the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. In Kutch district, for instance, the sale of milk and bullocks provides a major source of income for farmers. The breed’s strength and reliability as draft animals make them indispensable for agricultural work, and their milk is a valuable product for both local consumption and market sales.
The Kankrej cattle are truly one of India’s most remarkable breeds, combining strength, resilience, and productivity. What’s unfortunate is how these beautiful creatures are made to wear metal rings on their legs as a decorative feature, but which clearly impede the cattle’s ability to walk. Perhaps it is the ignorance of local farmers uneducated about such issues that clearly need to be addressed by authorities in charge of animal husbandry in India.
