Periyar cattle breed gets Centre’s recognition

Kochi: Periyar cattle, traditionally found in Periyar River basin, has been recognised by Union govt as a breed. This is the second breed to be recognised by Centre from Kerala after Vechur cow, which was recognised in 1996.

Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) and state director of animal husbandry received an intimation regarding this from director National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal.

Locally known as Kuttampuzha cattle and Andukanni, Periyar cattle are traditionally found across Periyar River basin and adjoining plantation and forest landscapes, particularly in the Koovapady, Angamaly, Kothamangalam and Chalakkudy regions of Ernakulam and Thrissur. Their distinctive ability is to thrive under semi-feral, low-input management and agroforestry conditions, with extensive grazing on naturally available vegetation, reflecting remarkable adaptation, resilience and ecological fitness.

R Thirupathy Venkatachalapathy, a professor of Animal Genetics and Breeding in KVASU, said recognition as a breed would help to get funding for the conservation and population increase.

Periyar cattle is small to medium in size, generally weighing 150–200kg, with a height of approximately 105–110cm. Red is the predominant coat colour along with brown, black and grey.

Average daily milk yield ranges from 2.5–4litres. The lactation period ranges between 160 and 200 days. First breeding occurs at around 26 months, first calving at approximately 35 months and the average calving interval is about 352 days, with a gestation length of 279 days.