Mewati

Origin

Mewati cattle are found in the tract known as Mewat, but the breed is sometimes called Kosi, due to the large numbers of cattle of this breed sold from the market at Kosi, a small town in the district of Mathura. Mewati cattle are similar in type to Hariana, but show definite evidence of Gir blood. Native habitants of Rath and Nagori cattle being adjacent to Mewat, these two breeds may also have contributed to the formation of the Mewati.

Characteristics

Mewati cattle are usually white in color with neck, shoulders and quarters of a darker shade.  Occasionally, individual beasts have Gir coloration. The face is long and narrow with the forehead slightly bulging. Horns emerge from the outer angles of the poll and are inclined to turn backwards at the points. Eyes are prominent and surrounded by a very dark rim. The muzzle is wide and square and the upper lip thick and overhanging, giving the upper part of the nose a contracted appearance. The muzzle is pitch black in color. The ears are pendulous but not so long.

The neck and the whole frame is strong but the limbs are light. The legs are relatively long and the frame of the body gives an impressions of being loosely built. The chest is deep but the ribs are flat. The head and neck show an upright carriage. The dewlap, though hanging, is not very loose. The sheath also is loose but not pendulous. The legs are fine and round with strong, somewhat large hooves, well-rounded in shape. The tail is long, the tuft nearly reaching the heels. Cows usually have well-developed udders.

Mewati cattle are in general, sturdy, powerful and docile, and are useful for heavy plowing carting and drawing water for deep wells. The cows are said to be good milkers.

Reference: 

Joshi, N.R., Phillips, R.W. (1953) Zebu Cattle of India and Pakistan, FAO Agriculture Studies No. 19, Publ. by FAO, Rome, 256 pp.

Photographs:  

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Added April 30, 1997