The Malvi cattle breed is one of the most beautiful cattle breeds of India, found in the large area comprising Indore, Dewas, Ujjain, Shajapur, and Mandsaur districts of Madhya Pradesh. This breed of zebu cattle originated from the Malwa plateau of western Madhya Pradesh.
It’s breeding tract includes Rajgarh, Ratlam, Shajapur and Ujjain districts of Madhya Pradesh and is also bred in the north-eastern section of Hyderabad, where it is popularly used as medium and light draft on the roads, and for cultivation purposes.
This breed is also known as Manthani, Malavi or Mahadeopuri. This breed has developed into different strains such as light, medium and heavy in size, based on the soil conditions they are bred in. Also, it is said to resemble the Kankrej breed in many ways. Though the Malvi is primarily known as a draught animal, the cows produce little but very good quality milk.
These cattle are well adapted to native climatic conditions, and show great endurance and ability to carry heavy loads on rough roads.
The bullocks are known to trot very fast and hence are used for quick transportation. They are able to carry heavy loads on rough roads. The bullocks work well in the black cotton soil.
Significantly, in the past three decades, a substantial amount of work has been done in several states through gaushalas and cooperatives, to conserve the indigenous breeds.
This cattle breed has been studied at the Government Cattle Breeding Farm in Shajapur district of Madhya Pradesh for almost over fifty years.
The estimated population of Malvi was around fifty thousand during year 2002, but has now improved to around twelve lakhs according to the latest Governmental count.
CowCare.Org is actively engaged in the movement of conserving the Indian breed of cattle, by maintaining multiple breeds at our Ashram and Gaushala. We look forward to your support and active participation in this noble cause.
