Names: Lambi Bar, Lola, Montgomery, Multani and Teli
Conservation status: Endangered
Country of origin: Indian Subcontinent (present-day Pakistan)
Distribution: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia
Use: dual-purpose dairy
The Sahiwal is a zebu cattle breed originally from the Indian subcontinent. It's named after the Sahiwal District in Punjab, now part of Pakistan. Today, you'll mostly find these cattle in that region of Pakistan, as well as across parts of India, especially in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The Sahiwal breed comes from the dry and warm Punjab region along the India-Pakistan border. These cattle are known for their ability to handle the heat, making them perfect for hot, humid climates. They’re also considered one of the best native dairy breeds in South Asia—people really value them not just for their rich milk production but also for how tough and adaptable they are.
Sahiwal cows are pretty impressive when it comes to milk production, especially considering their size. With good care, a healthy Sahiwal can give anywhere from 8 to 15 liters of milk a day—and in really ideal conditions, even more than that. What’s more, their milk is known for being rich and nutritious, with around 4–5% fat and 3.4–3.7% protein. That makes it perfect for traditional dairy favorites like ghee, butter, and other homemade goodies that are loved across India and Pakistan.
One of the things that sets Sahiwal cattle apart is how well they handle the heat. As a Zebu breed, they’re naturally built for hot, humid climates. They can thrive even in scorching temperatures and areas where diseases are more common, which makes them a great choice for regions with tough weather and challenging conditions.