nilgai, (Boselaphus tragocamelus), also called bluebuck, the largest Asian antelope (family Bovidae). The nilgai is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, and Hindus accord it the same sacred status as cattle (both belong to the subfamily Bovinae).

How did nilgai end up in Texas?

South Texas ranchers brought nilgai antelope from a California zoo decades ago, when it became fashionable to stock their sprawling acreage with exotic quarry. These days the species native to India and Pakistan is not so much a rarity in South Texas as a nuisance.

What is special about nilgai?

The nilgai is the largest antelope in Asia. It stands 1–1.5 metres (3.3–4.9 ft) at the shoulder; the head-and-body length is typically between 1.7–2.1 metres (5.6–6.9 ft). Males weigh 109–288 kilograms (240–635 lb); the maximum weight recorded is 308 kilograms (679 lb).

Can you eat nilgai?

Often compared to veal, our ground Nilgai antelope meat has a mild flavor and a great texture, making it a versatile option and a perfect substitute for more generic meats.

Can nilgai be domesticated?

Domestication of Nilgai may prove as an outstanding diet (veal and juveniles) for human and domesticated carnivores it may be the most important achievements that man-made in his cultural history. It is very useful and has many kinds of beneficial mutualism with man exists.

Why are there nilgai in Texas?

Nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus Pallas) were apparently brought to the United States from India as zoo animals before the mid-1920s and were released in South Texas about 1930.

How many babies do nilgai have?

Mature nilgai typically weigh 120-240 kilograms. Calves usually weigh 13.6-15.9 kilograms (30-35 pounds) at birth after an 8 month gestation period. Over 60% of births result in twins, though births of 1 or 3 do occur. They reach sexual maturity at around 18 months and can live as long as 21 years.

Do nilgai females have horns?

Females usually do not grow horns but may occasionally. Nilgai stand 119–150 cm at the shoulder, with prominent withers giving them a backline that slopes to the rump.

What do nilgai antelope eat?

Nilgai preferred to feed on large open areas interspersed with cover and ponded water. They were grazers, their average diet consisting of 60% grasses, 25% forbs, and 15% browse.

How fast can a nilgai run?

When chased, nilgai can run up to 48 kph (29 mph). Males compete with each other by using threatening posture displays and neck wrestling, sometimes leading to both males kneeling and lunging at each other with their horns.

How high can a nilgai jump?

Nilgai can jump fences up to 2.5 m high (Sharma 1981), but prefer to push under fences rather than jumping over them (Sheffield 1983).

How much meat do you get off a nilgai?

If memory serves, the mature bulls we’ve taken and seen taken have dressed out between 330 to 400 lb. Based on that I’d guess you’re getting between 150 to 200 lbs of actual meat. Cows will dress between 180 to 260 lbs, so figure 100 lb plus of meat. Cows are noticeably more tender then the old bulls.

Does nilgai taste like beef?

The meat has a mild flavor with a good texture, much like veal. It is extremely low in fat, averaging well under 1% for most cuts. These are large animals, weighing an average of 280 pounds on the hoof.

Does nilgai taste good?

Fossil Farms sources truly wild Nilgai Antelope from the abundant ranchland and hill country of South Texas. These animals forage on native grasses, seeds, and fruit, giving the meat a mild venison-like flavor.

Do nilgai jump fences?

Nilgai are hard on fences and can cause considerable damage, so hunters interested in nilgai are welcomed in the area. While adult nilgai can jump 4½ foot fences without a second thought, they usually prefer to dig underneath and crawl through the gaps.

How many nilgai are there in India?

The estimated population of nilgai in India is approximately 100,000.

Can Antelope be domesticated?

It is unknown whether they were truly domesticated, but it seems unlikely, as no domesticated gazelles exist today. However, humans have had success taming certain species, such as the elands.