Frieswal

Frieswal
Conservation statusOngoing
Country of originIndia
DistributionAcross all agro-climatic zones of India
UseMilk production
Notes
Developed through crossbreeding of Holstein Friesian and Sahiwal breeds, aiming for over 4000 kg of milk with 4% butterfat in 300 days of lactation.

The Frieswal is an Indian Crossbreed cattle developed in India.[1] It was created through the Frieswal Project, a collaboration between Military Farms Service and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Central Institute for Research on Cattle (ICAR-CIRC). The breed was created by crossing the Holstein Friesian with the indigenous Sahiwal to improve milk production while retaining adaptability to India's diverse climates. The breed was developed to improve milk production while maintaining adaptability to India's diverse climatic conditions.[2][3]

History

The Frieswal project was initiated to produce a high-yielding dairy breed capable of producing 4000 kg of milk with 4% butterfat over a 300-day lactation period. The project spans 37 Military Farms across various agro-climatic zones of India, ensuring the breed's adaptability nationwide. The cattle are selectively bred through inter se mating and progeny testing of elite cows and proven bulls.[2][4]

In 2018, the Indian Army closed 15 military farms and sold 16,000 Frieswal cows to various states at a nominal price of ₹1,000 each as part of efforts to streamline resources and improve operational efficiency.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ "വരുമോ ഫ്രീസ്വാൾ? കർഷകർക്ക് നേട്ടമുണ്ടാക്കുന്ന പശുവിനം". Manorama News. March 21, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Frieswal Cattle Project". ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle.
  3. ^ V.D. Mudgal; C.L Arora. "Frieswal project: Present status and expectations for the future". Food and Agriculture Organization.
  4. ^ "फ्रीजवाल नस्ल की गाय 4000 लीटर दूध देने में सक्षम" (in Hindi). Live Hindustan. October 23, 2024.
  5. ^ Datta, Rahul (October 15, 2018). "Army sells 16K imported cows at throwaway prices". Daily Pioneer.