Amritmahal

Characteristics:

• Amritmahal breed of cattle are commonly referred to as the Doddadana, Jawari Dana and Number Dana. They are moderate milkers.Originated in Hassan, Chikmagalur and Chitradurga district of Karnataka.Amiritmahals are grey cattle but their shade varies from almost white to near black.
• The muzzle, feat and tail are usually black.This type of cattle have horns that are long and they end in sharp black pointsThis is one or the best known draught breeds of India.
• They are not big animals but are very fiery, active cattle, and arc famous for their powers of endurance. They were largely used by the Duke of Wellington, then Sir Arthur Wellesley in his campaigns.
• They are much valued as draught cattle in Mysore State and in the surrounding territories. “Amrit” means milk and “Mahal” means house. The breeding tract includes Chikmagalur, Chitradurga, Hassan, Shimoga, Tumkur and Davanagere districts of Karnataka.
• Amritmahal was reared from a herd established by the king of Mysore state between 1572 and 1636 A D and it was developed from draught breed of southern India with an objective to increase the milk productivity.
• This type of cattle breed is usually grey in colour but the colour varies from white to almost black. In some cases, white grey marks or patches are present on face and also in dewlap of some animals.
• Dark shades on neck, shoulder, hump and hindquarters. Head is long and tapers towards muzzle. Horns are long and emerge from the top of the poll, fairly close together in backward and upward direction, turn in and end in sharp black points - sometime touching each other.
• Amritmahal is a well renowned draught breed usually popular for its power and endurance. These animals are fiery and active. Bullocks are especially suited for trotting and quick transportation. Cows are very poor milkers. Average milk yield per lactation is 572 kg.