Rathi
In its own language: राठी
A brown and white dairy breed from the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, kept by nomadic Rath herders.
The Rathi is a humped dairy cattle breed native to the arid regions of Rajasthan in India. It thrives in the Thar Desert, particularly around Bikaner, and is valued for its rich milk production under harsh conditions.
- Milk fat content reaches 5.3 percent
- Named after the nomadic Rath herders
- Found mainly in the Thar Desert
- Cows yield about 1,530 kg per lactation
- Population exceeds one million head
What do Rathi cattle look like?
This zebu-type animal features a prominent shoulder hump and a loose dewlap beneath the neck. The coat is typically brown with irregular white patches. Cows stand roughly 115 centimetres at the withers, while bulls are heavier, reaching nearly 400 kilograms. The build is sturdy enough to withstand dry climates.
Where does the Rathi come from?
The breed comes from Rajasthan in north-western India. Its name reflects the Rath people, who have raised these animals for generations. They originated in the arid zones where water is scarce and temperatures soar.
What the Rathi is known for
Rathi cattle are prized for their ability to produce high-fat milk despite poor feed quality. The butterfat content averages over five percent. They tolerate heat and drought well, making them suitable for desert environments where other breeds might struggle.
How the Rathi is bred and kept
Herds remain largely traditional, managed by nomadic families rather than intensive farms. No formal herd book is mentioned in the available records. Selection focuses on milk yield and survival in dry pastures.
Rathi, drawn
What the Rathi is kept for
Farmers keep this breed primarily for dairy. A cow yields approximately 1,530 kilograms of milk during a 309-day lactation period. The thick milk is often churned into ghee for storage and sale.
The land and climate of the Rathi
These animals live in the Thar Desert and surrounding districts like Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The landscape is sandy and dry, with limited vegetation. The cattle cope by moving frequently to find grazing and water sources.
Who keeps the Rathi
The Rath tribe, a nomadic community, maintains the majority of the population. They follow seasonal routes across the desert. Their livelihood depends on selling milk, ghee, and the cattle themselves.
At a glance: where it belongs
Land and climate
Peoples
Faith and ritual
No specific religious rituals or sacred status are recorded for this breed in the provided materials.
Custom and folk tradition
Nomadic life defines the rearing of these cattle. Families move camps based on rainfall and pasture growth. This mobility ensures the animals survive in one of India's most challenging environments.
Keeping Rathi cattle
Feeding relies on natural desert vegetation. Water management is critical due to the arid climate.
Numbers, conservation and the herd book
Estimates from 2022 place the total population between 878,852 and 1,169,828 head. International bodies classify the breed as safe from extinction. Numbers remain stable in its home state.
From the Rathi
Questions people ask about Rathi
Where do Rathi cattle come from?
They originate in Rajasthan, India, specifically in the Thar Desert region including Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts.
What are Rathi cattle kept for?
They are dairy animals known for producing milk with high butterfat content, often processed into ghee.
How much milk does a Rathi cow produce?
A typical lactation lasts 309 days and yields approximately 1,530 kilograms of milk.
Who keeps Rathi cattle?
The nomadic Rath tribe manages most herds, moving them across the desert for pasture and water.
Are Rathi cattle endangered?
No, both the FAO and DAD-IS list them as not at risk, with over a million animals remaining.
Good reading and sources
- Rathi cattle on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Rathi cattle", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryCow rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Sizes, colours and customs differ from one herd, valley or breeder to the next. Folk beliefs are described as tradition, never as advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-16.
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