Malvi

Malvi cattle are an Indian zebu-type breed from the Malwa plateau, especially western Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Rajasthan. They are medium-sized working cattle with a compact body, strong legs and a generally white to light gray coat; bulls commonly show darker gray shading on the neck, hump and shoulders. The head is relatively short, the horns are usually short to medium and curve upward, and the dark muzzle, eyelids, hooves and tail switch give many animals a black-pointed look. The breed was shaped less for high milk yield than for steady work in dry-land farming.

On small farms, Malvi oxen have been valued for ploughing, carting and moving at a quick trot over firm soils. Cows provide household milk, but selection has traditionally emphasized endurance, heat tolerance, sound feet and thrift on crop residues and seasonal grazing. Herds do best where shade, clean water and mineral supplementation are available through hot months, and calves need attention during the dry season when forage quality falls. For conservation or breeding work, maintaining locally adapted lines matters because indiscriminate crossing can quickly dilute the draught traits that made the breed useful.

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