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Achai Cattle
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Habitat:
A
small-sized breed found in KPK province. The hometract of Achai
animals extends on the west to adjoining parts of Afghanistan and on
the east to hilly tract of northwestern Punjab.
Physical Characteristics:
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Predominant
colour is reddish brown with white face.
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Animals of
all reddish brown colour with or without white (or spotted) head
are also seen. White spots may be seen on the udder, underline,
and the legs. Colour of muzzle varies from white to light or
dark brown.
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In females,
horns are small and thin, resembling hooks with variable curls
and directions, while in males, horns are large, directed upward
and forward.
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The eyes are
sharp and bright.
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Neck is
short, especially in males.
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Switch of
tail is generally white, but reddish brown colour is also seen.
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Tail extends
down well below the hock joint with a fluffy switch.
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The dewlap is
quite voluminous in male but less in females.
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Hump is well
developed in male but less in female.
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Proportionate
to body size, the udder is adequately developed with a daily
yield of about 4 litres
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Achai cows
can be milked many times a day.
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Testicles are
proportionate to body size.
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The sheath is
fairly tight.
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Males are
reasonably agile and are used for light draft work.
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Well-fed
males serve as good beef animals, especially for sacrificial
purposes.
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Docility is
one of the recognized characteristics of Achai animals, even
children can comfortably handle them.
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They are an
asset for hilly terrain of the KPK province under resource
limited subsistence production set up.
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Copyrights
© Dr. M Jassar Aftab, All Rights Reserved
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