The Karan Swiss were developed in India at the National Dairy Research Institute at Karnal. The breed was developed using Brown Swiss and Sahiwal. The percentage of Brown Swiss in the breed ranges from 1/2 to 3/4 of the breeding.

 

The Karan Swiss is a dual purpose breed with the oxen being well suited for work and the cows giving good quantities of milk. High producing females will produce 5000 to 6000 kg with a 4.78% butterfat during a lactation.

 

The breed is usually light gray to dark brown in color. Karan Swiss cows average 127 cm in height and weight in the range of 400 to 550 kg (880 - 1200 pounds). Males will average 136 cm in height and weight from 600 to 750 kg (1300 - 1650 pounds).

 

 

References

Genus Bos: Cattle Breeds of the World, 1985, MSO-AGVET (Merck & Co., Inc.), Rahway, N.J.

 

Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International. 273 pp.