The northern and western region is the home tract for milch breeds like Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Gir and Red Sindhi. Gujarat is the home tract of Kankrej, the heaviest breed of India. The southern region is the home tract of many indigenous breeds including world famous draught breeds like Amrithmahal, Hallikar, Khillari and Kangayam and dual purpose breeds like Ongole, Deoni and Krishnavalley. Besides these small sized breeds like Punganur, Malnad Gidda and Vechur and other minor varieties like Bargur, Umblacherry, Alambadi etc.

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTIC OF INDIGENOUS CATTLE:
The general superiority of indigenous cattle with respect to adoptability, disease resistance etc, is well recognized. Indigenous cattle can withstand and graze even at atmospheric temperatures of 400 C. The extensive area covered by the dewlap, loose body skin, more sweat glands and hair coat play a vital role in its heat tolerance. They can switch its body skin and drive away flies, fleas and mosquitoes. The sweat also acts as a repellant to these insects due to its peculiar smell. Indigenous cattle in general are also an alert and intelligent. They can recognize their owners even after lapse of considerable time.

The cholesterol level in milk and other products of indigenous cattle is lower than European cattle and type of fatty acids found in them is beneficial to the human body. The medicinal properties of milk, urine, dung, etc, of indigenous cattle are well known in Ayurveda system of medicine.

HEAT AND INSECT RESISTANCE: The indigenous breeds of cattle generally have more sweat glands that are twice as big and 30% more numerous than those of European breeds. In some breeds, the black skin covered by a white or light gray coat helps filtering and reflecting harmful sunrays. Their low level of metabolism also contributes to their ability to withstand for long without food and water, which makes them more suitable for prone areas. Indigenous cattle feed less but often, generating less internal heat which makes them more resistant to heat. Indigenous cattle possess natural resistance to various insects, as their skin has a dense texture, making it difficult for blood sucking insects to penetrate. They also have a well developed subcutaneous muscle layer, which enables them to remove insects simply by shaking their coat.

METABOLIC EFFICIENCY: The indigenous breeds can efficiently convert poor quality forages into milk, beef, etc and withstand long periods without water. Due to their habit of feeding lightly but frequently, indigenous cattle are highly resistant to bloating, and death loses rarely occurs from this cause.

CHARACTERS ASSOSCIATED WITH HARDINESS AND THRIFTINESS OF INDIGENOUS CATTLE:

• Have the ability to reverse down metabolism during extremes of scarcity which will be of great use in situations like drought, famine etc. Due to these special characteristics of our cattle they are able to conceive after drought while Crossbreeds fail to conceive after lack of feed and water and are many times sent to slaughterhouse.
  
• Efficient forager and does not force the calf for foraging.