Nagori
Origin
Nagori cattle are prevalent in the former Johrpur State, now a part of the State
of Rajasthan in India.
Nagori cattle are classified into the short-horned white or light gray cattle
with a long coffin-shaped skull, orbital arches which do not prominent, and
their face is slightly convex in profile. It has been suggested that probably
the blood of gray lyre-horned cattle might have entered into the composition
of Nagori cattle. Taking into consideration the proximity of the native homes
of the Hariana in the north and northeast
and Kankrej in the south and southwest, it
seems reasonable to suppose that Nagori cattle may have evolved from these two
groups. Frequency of famines in its native home has necessitated extensive movements
of the cattle to other regions in search of fodder, and this has no doubt led
to frequent intermixture.
Characteristics
Generally the Nagori cattle are fine, big, upstanding, active and docile, with
white and gray color. They have long, deep and powerful frames, with straight
backs and well-developed quarters. There is throughout the Nagori breed a tendency
to legginess and lightness of bone, though the feet are strong. It is supposed
that this characteristic has given the breed its agility and ease of movement.
The face is long and narrow but the forehead is flat and not so prominent.
The eyelids are rather heavy and overhanging and the eyes are small, clear and
bright. The ears are large and pendulous. The horns are moderate in size and
emerge from the outer angles of the poll in an outward direction and are carried
upwards with a gentle curve to turn in at the points. The neck is short and
fine, and looks powerful. The dewlap is small and fine. The hump in the bulls
is well-developed but not so firm and thus in many cases hangs over. The shoulders
and forearms look muscular and powerful. The legs are straight with hooves compact,
strong and small. The tail is of moderate length reaching just below the hocks
and terminating in a tuft of black hair. The sheath is small. The skin is fine
and slightly loose. The cows usually have well-developed udders with large teats.
The Nagori breed is one of the most famous trotting draft breeds of India
and is generally appreciated for fast road work. As such, more attention has
been paid by the breeders towards producing an agile yet powerful animal with
a great deal of endurance.
Nagori cattle are famous as trotters, being used all over Rajputana in light
iron-wheeled carts for quick transportation. They are also worked for all agricultural
purposes, such as plowing, cultivation drawing water from wells and transportation
of field produce to markets.
Joshi, N.R., Phillips, R.W. (1953) Zebu Cattle of India and Pakistan,
FAO Agriculture Studies No. 19, Publ. by FAO, Rome, 256 pp.
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Added May 1, 1997