Farmers urged to rear Sahiwal cow breeds

SAHIWAL: Cattle breeders have been advised to rear Sahiwal cow breeds as they are environmentally compatible and are economically beneficial.

Speaking to APP on Saturday, Assistant Drector Technical (Divisional Directorate) Dr Sabir Ali stated that Sahiwal cows are an indigenous breed with particular characteristics which make them ideal for rearing.

Cows of this particular breed provide a handsome amount of milk which is over 3,000 litres during a lactation period of 10 months per year, he said. During its lifespan, the animal has 10 lactation periods, he added.

Sahiwal cow breeds can also produce a handsome amount of milk in spite of eating a small amount of fodder, he explained. He maintained that the market value of the breed was also favourable, enabling breeders to sell the animal at any time in the case of an emergency.

Similarly, Sahiwal cow breeds are also environmentally compatible meaning that the cows are usually resistant to diseases and tics. The cow is also resistant to climatic changes which can affect other breeds, he said.

Approximately two million cows exist in Multan division while the total population of Sahiwal cows in Punjab is over 14 million. The livestock expert also suggested that cattle farmers contact the department in cases there is an issue with the animal’s health.