| Cholistani | |
| Country: | Pakistan, India |
| Distribution: | Cholistan desert |
| Use: | meat, milk and draft |
| Maleweight: | 600 kg |
| Femaleweight: | 400 kg |
| Coat: | white |
| Horn: | small |
| Subspecies: | taurus |
Cholistani is a zebu breed of Punjab in Pakistan and India primarily used in dairy production. Cholistani originated from the Cholistan Desert area, particularly from Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar.[1] [2] This is a recently discovered breed and is thought to have been result of crossing of Sahiwal with other local breeds.[3]
Cholistani is a large cattle with white coat with black, brown or red spots, they have small horn, long ears, males have a large hump and females have medium-sized udders which can yield 1,200 to 1,800 litres/lactation.[4] Males weigh between 500 and 600 kg, while females weight between 300 and 400 kg. They have good immune system and are use for both milk and beef. Females can yield 13 to 15 litres milk per day. Crossbred cow with Holstein Friesian can yield 25 to 30 litres milk with average feeding.
The hump on the back of Cholistani cattle is its distinctive feature as it is larger than any other breed whilst sharing same size of hump with Dhanni of Punjab, Pakistan, from Chakwal District.