Deoni cow Photo: Pratik Chavan · Pexels License · source ↗

Deoni cattle (Marathwada dual-purpose)

Deoni is a dual-purpose zebu breed of the Marathwada region of Maharashtra and adjoining north Karnataka. Registered with the ICAR National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), it is believed to have evolved from a mixture of Gir, Dangi and local Marathwada cattle. Deoni gives a moderate quantity of good-quality milk and the bullocks are strong, dependable draught animals for the heavy black-cotton soils of the Deccan.

Origin and distribution

The home tract is Latur, Nanded, Parbhani, Osmanabad and Beed districts of Marathwada, extending into Bidar, Bhalki and Humnabad of north Karnataka. Pedigree herds are maintained at Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU) and ICAR-affiliated state farms; the breed is being conserved and promoted under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

Appearance

Deoni animals are medium to large with a distinctive black-and-white spotted coat — three recognised colour patterns are Wannera (white with black on face/ears), Balankya (white with black on lower jaw, hindquarters and legs) and Shevera (mixed black-and-white patches throughout). The forehead is broad and slightly bulging, horns are medium and emerge laterally then curve outward and upward, and ears are long and drooping. The hump in bulls is well developed. Adult cows weigh 380–430 kg and bulls 500–620 kg.

Productivity

Lactation yield averages 1,000–1,400 kg over 300 days under village conditions, with organised farm cows producing 1,800–2,400 kg. Milk fat is 4.3–4.7%. Age at first calving is 40–48 months and the inter-calving interval is 14–16 months. Bullocks are powerful, willing workers, capable of long days in heavy black soil for ploughing, harrowing and inter-cultivation in cotton, redgram and jowar tracts.

Management

Deoni does well on rotational grazing supplemented with sorghum/jowar kadbi, redgram stalks and seasonal green fodder. A balanced concentrate ration of 2.0–2.5 kg per cow per day plus 400 g per litre of milk is standard; working bullocks need extra concentrate on work days. Open loose-housing with shade and water troughs is preferred; non-slip flooring protects the hooves of heavy bullocks. Breeding is mostly by natural service in villages and by artificial insemination (Artificial Insemination Cattle) at organised farms.

Sources

Deoni — NBAGR breed profile. ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal.
Deoni — Dairy Knowledge Portal. National Dairy Development Board.