Khillari

Characteristics:

• Khillari is well-known as Mandeshi, Shikari and Thillar. They are just average milkers only.
• They have originated from Sholapur and Sitapur districts of Maharashtra.
• Khillari closely resembles Hallikar breed.
• They are found to be in grey-white in colour.
• This breed type is known to have long horns that turn forward in a queer way. Their horns are usually black, sometimes pinkish.
  In this breed type, Bullocks are quite fast and powerful.
• These are draught breed and bullocks are known for their quick draught capability. Their breeding path traces to is Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwad, Gulbarga, Bangalkote district of Karnataka&Pune. Also the breeding tract is from Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Osmanabad district of Maharashtra.
• This breed is thought to have originated from Hallikar or Amritmahal breed of cattle. There are four types of Khillari cattle that are prevalent in different parts of the country. They are as follows: “Atpadi Mahal” in Southern Maharashtra, “Mhaswad” in Solapur and Satara area, “Thillari” in Satpura range of hills, and “Nakali” in adjoining area of this region. The typical Khillaribreed animal is quite compact and usually tight skinned with clean cut features. Their complete appearance is like a compact cylinder with stout, strongly set limbs.
• There is a slight rise in the level of the back towards the pelvis. They posses horns that are verylong and pointed. Horns follow the backward curve of the forehead which are placed close together at the root with thick base, then it grows backward for half of the length and then the horns turn upwards in a smooth bow shape very queer to this type of breed that usually ends in pointing tips.
• They have ribs that are fully sprung and thisgives their trunk a barrel shape. The gait of Khillari is quick and spirited. Khillari cattle of Deccan plateau - the “Mhaswad” and the “Atpadi Mahal” type are greyish-white. Males are dark over the fore & hindquarters with peculiar grey and white mottled marking on face.
• The “Tapti Khillari” are white with carroty nose and carroty hooves. Bullocks of this breed are highly valued for their swiftness and powerful nature. They are draught animals. These breed type of animals can travel miles without showing any signs of fatigue. Khillari cows gives an average milk yield per lactation as 451 kg with an average milk fat of 4.2 %. The lactation yield usually ranges from 240 to 515 kilo grams.