Dhanni

Dhanni cattle are an indigenous zebu breed from Pakistan's Punjab province, especially the Dhanni tract of the Potohar plateau around Chakwal, Attock, and nearby districts. They are active, medium-sized cattle with a hump, short horns, and a spotted coat, often white with black, red, or brown markings. The breed developed in rainfed, hilly country where farmers needed agile bullocks for plowing, carting, and general farm work. Cows provide local milk, but Dhanni has traditionally been associated more with draft power, endurance, and attractive color than high dairy output.

Village management usually relies on grazing, crop residues, and cut fodder, with extra feed for working bullocks, lactating cows, and calves during dry periods. Heat tolerance and sure-footedness are useful traits, but animals still need shade, clean water, tick control, and protection from injury when working on stony ground. Breeding choices often favor lively but manageable bulls with strong legs and cows that breed regularly under modest feeding. Outside Pakistan, genuine Dhanni cattle are uncommon, so conservation or import interest should focus on documented origin rather than spotted appearance alone.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Dun, Gray, Grey, Highbelt, Highpark, Lineback, Mottled, Pied, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Riggit, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Solid White, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow