Deoni Cow
देवणी
Also called: Dongerpati, Wannera, Shevera
The triple-purpose pride of Marathwada.
Native tract: Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad; spilling into Karnataka's Bidar
Milk per day (peak)
5–9 L
Milk per lactation (~300 days)
1,000–2,000 L
Milk fat
4.3%
Adult weight
400–500 kg
Distinctive features
Coat: Distinctive three patterns — Balankya (mostly white), Wannera (white with black face), Shevera (white with random black patches).
- Strong, medium-large body
- Short, stubby horns
- Loose dewlap; well-developed hump
- Black muzzle, eyelids, hooves
Temperament & utility
- Triple purpose — milk, draught, dung
- Heat and drought hardy
- Calm, easy to handle
- A2 milk with high fat
History & lineage
Deoni was selectively bred by farmers around Deoni village in Latur district. The breed is famous for its three coat patterns, each named after a sub-strain. It nearly vanished in the 1990s; the Maharashtra Animal & Fisheries Sciences University at Udgir runs a conservation programme that has helped the population rebuild.
Why Deoni matters
Deoni is one of Maharashtra's few surviving indigenous dual-purpose breeds. Every adoption is a vote against extinction.
Frequently asked
How much milk does a Deoni cow give?
5–9 litres a day; 1,000–2,000 litres per lactation.