How does Zebu milk contribute to the economy of regions where it is produced?
Zebu cattle are the main milk animals in much of the tropics. According to FAO, most milk in developing countries comes from small-scale producers using local breeds. Yields per cow are low, but local breeds are adapted to local conditions, which keeps them important for rural incomes and food supply.
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In this article
How does zebu milk contribute to the economy?
I could not find official figures for the total value of zebu milk, so this page sticks to what the FAO says and notes what remains unmeasured. Please treat any exact economic claim for zebu milk with caution.
What zebu cattle are
FAO explains that most indigenous cattle in tropical regions are zebu (Bos indicus), recognizable by their hump and dewlap. They are well adapted to local conditions but have low milk production. Widely distributed zebu dairy breeds include Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, Kankrej, Gir, Kenana and Butana. FAO describes these multi-purpose animals as also providing draught power.
Where the economic value comes from
- Milk for households and sale: Cattle supply about three-quarters of milk in sub-Saharan Africa, about 62 percent in Asia and nearly all milk in Latin America. Zebu are a large part of the cattle in the tropics, though FAO does not give a zebu-only share on that page.
- Small-scale producers: FAO says most milk in developing countries comes from small-scale producers using local or indigenous breeds.
- Local adaptation: FAO says local breeds are well adapted to local conditions, which is why small-scale farmers keep them.
The limits
FAO links low yields in small-scale systems to climate (heat and humidity), low-quality feed with little concentrate, low genetic potential in multi-purpose animals and high disease incidence. Low yield per cow limits how much farmers earn from each animal.
Crossbreeding and improvement
FAO notes that in peri-urban areas farmers increasingly use improved or crossbred cattle to meet urban demand for milk. FAO also says bulls from specialized dairy breeds are crossed with indigenous cows to combine higher yields with local adaptation.
What we do not know
- The total market value of zebu milk worldwide
- Jobs or income figures specific to zebu milk
- Prices, which vary by country and season
For local figures, look to national agriculture ministries or FAO country reports.
People also ask
What is zebu milk?
Milk from zebu cattle (Bos indicus), the humped cattle common in the tropics. Breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal and Red Sindhi are widely used for dairy.
Do zebu cows give a lot of milk?
No. FAO says indigenous breeds are well adapted to local conditions but have low production.
Who produces most milk in developing countries?
FAO says most milk there comes from small-scale producers using local or indigenous breeds.
Sources
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