Belahi cattle: uniform but distinct germplasm of Haryana

Survey was conducted to identify the migration pattern, breeding tract, husbandry practices and socio economic status of Belahi cattle reared by Gujjar pastoralists form North Haryana. Belahi cattle are unique but distinct germplasm under migration in Shivalik region of Haryana. Morphometric measurements were recorded and analyzed in about 200 adult cattle from its breeding tract. Analysis revealed that average face length is 43.33 ± 0.57 cm, face width 14.17 ± 0.28 cm, horn length 25.40 ± 2.26 cm, horn circumference 14.20 ± 0.62 cm, ear length 27.50 ± 0.40 cm, body height 120.33 ± 4.58 cm, body length 116.67 ± 1.80 cm, chest girth 157.17 ± 3.69 cm, pouch girth 159.33 ± 1.65 cm, hip bone 34.50 ± 1.09 cm, pin bone 15.0 ± 0.41 cm, tail length 110.67 ± 3.47 cm, tail length up to switch 93.67 ± 3.66 cm. Also according to rough estimation, the population of Belahi cattle in this region is 20 to 25 thousand in the region with herd size ranging from 20 to 90 cows and 2–3 bulls.