Rathi

Characteristics:

• Rathi is a cattle breed defined by its white skin with black or gray spots but usually found brown in colour. This breed of animals are generally brown with white patches all over the body. Also, animals having completely brown or black coat with white patches are also seen in this breed. It is believed that evolved from intermixing of Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar and Dhanni breeds with a preponderance of Sahiwal blood.
• This breed of cattle is an important variety of milch breed found in the arid regions of Rajasthan. This breed functions as a major livelihood source for the farmers in this region.
• Rathi gets its name from a pastoral tribe, called as Raths, who are Muslims of Rajput extraction known for leading a nomadic life. This breed of animals are especially found in Loonkaransar tehsil of Bikaner district, which is also called as Rathi tract. The breeding pathway of Rathi lies in the heart of Thar Desert which comprises, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan. The eco system in its native tract is fragile and the lands are less fertile with very low productivity. Scorching summer (50 degree C), chilly winter (2 degree C), dry monsoon (less than 200 mm rainfall in a year) and dust storms are the characteristics of the region.
• Rathi cows are efficient and good milkers. Rathi cows have an average produce of 1560 kilo grams of milk. Some cows have even produced milk around 4800 Kg also, at farmer’s doorstep.