Gaolao

Gaolao cattle are an Indian humped breed from the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra and neighboring areas of Madhya Pradesh, including districts historically associated with fast working bullocks. They are generally white to light gray, with a long narrow head, upright carriage, and a relatively light but active build. The breed's main reputation comes from quick draft work, especially road and field work where endurance and pace were important. Cows are usually modest milk producers compared with specialized dairy breeds, though they remain useful in smallholder mixed farming.

Gaolao cattle suit hot, dry to semi-dry conditions and diets based on grazing, crop residues, and local fodder. Working bullocks need careful yoke fit, rest, hoof care, and adequate feed during the agricultural season. For breeding herds, the main concerns are fertility, calf survival, and retaining the active conformation that made the breed useful. Mechanization and indiscriminate crossing have reduced numbers in some areas, so breed improvement and conservation programs generally encourage the use of selected pure bulls within the native tract rather than replacing the type with higher-input cattle.

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