Hatton
(most common name)

(local/other name):
• Cape
• Cape cattle
• Cappe harak

The Hatton is a locally developed breed that started with the importation of Dutch cattle (mostly Dutch Friesians) from 1765–1815.

During the 19th century, British breeds (mostly Ayrshire, Shorthorn and Jersey) were also imported and, over the years, crossed with each other — and with the local Sinhala cattle of Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon).

The Hatton is small and humpless, with a pied coat. They are well adapted for withstanding Sri Lanka’s tropical climate and providing milk on a minimal diet.

The Hatton may, or may not, still exist. Only 1,000 were last counted in 1992 with a decreasing trend.

(Tamil ?) harak = cattle

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-17

You can also go to:

My Daily Cow® Sri Lanka and read about other Sri Lankan cattle breeds.

The Cow Wall® A-Z Cattle Breed Picture Reference to see other breeds of cattle in the world.