Indigenous cow breeds, originating in ancient India, hold immense cultural and practical significance. They are mentioned in the Puranas and Vedas, and their contributions to agriculture and sustainable living are well-documented.

Desi cows produce high-quality milk, known as Amrutha. Their urine, or Gowmutra, is considered a potent medicine (Aushadha), and their dung, or Gowmethi, is a valuable resource for agriculture and is also seen as a symbol of prosperity (Lakshmi).

The combination of these five elements—milk, ghee, curd, Gowmutra, and dung—is known as Panchagavya. Panchagavya can be used to create over 100 products with diverse applications, including spiritual, antiseptic, food, medicinal, and antibacterial uses.

Facts about Indian cows

• Indian breeds have a large hump on top of their shoulder and neck.
• There are 40 recognized cattle breeds in India as per the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (2016 report), of which some are on the verge of extinction.
• The specialty of Indian exotic breeds is that they serve multiple purposes and their characteristics make them fit for hot and local conditions. The hair, coat, pigmentation, ability to sweat, loose skin and internal body heat are the unique characteristics of Indian cattle which makes them best suited for any adverse climatic conditions.
• These cows have noteworthy pest and disease resistance power and they adjust to feed and fodder.