calves we sell to farmers as work animals, but never to Muslims or anybody who may slaughter
them. The Banjaras also traditionally acted as middlemen and drive animals to Mewar to sell
them.
The female calves are kept in the herd; if in excess, we sell them to other Raikas at a nominal
rate or to people who are sure to provide a good home. In case a herd owner has suffered large
losses due to a disease outbreak, then others will give him replacement animals.
2. Kankrej Cattle
The Kankrej cattle bred is bred by Rebari in the northern part of
Gujarat.
3. Boti Sheep
The Boti sheep is characterised by a black head, short ears and
short tail. We also cal it Jachi or Vannermi. It is specific to the
Godwar area and it is officially known as Marwari breed. This
breed is extremely drought resistant and has fine wool, but it
grows very slowly. For this reason, we have been cross-breeding it
with the Baghli sheep.
4. Bhagli sheep
The Bhagli sheep
has a red head,
long ears and long tail. We have obtained it from
Mewar and Malva while on migration and it is
known officially as Sonadi breed. The Bhagli
sheep is less drought resistant, but it has more
milk and the offspring grows very fast, so it has
advantages over the Boti sheep for meat
production. Over the past years, we have been
crossing Boti and Bhagli sheep so as to make a
living. We keep a mix of both breeds because in
case of drought, the Boti sheep has a better
chance of survival. We have names for the
various types of hybrids., such as Kajli, Gungli
boti, Lapri and Kabri.
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