Bringing joy to around 200 farmers in Ernakulam and Thrissur who have been working for its conservation, Periyar cow, also known as Periyar Kullan, has been recognised as a cattle breed indigenous to Keralam.
Through the ICAR National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources' registration, Periyar cow is the second breed to get the tag in the state after Vechur Cow.
It's mainly seen in Koovappady, Angamaly, Kothamangalam and Chalakudy regions. With minimal human interaction, it thrives under semi-feral and graze in a single managed unit in vegetation comprising trees, shrubs and grass rather than open pastures.
They are small to medium in size and weigh between 150 and 200 kg. It has a dark brown colour which makes it stand out from other native varieties.
Know-cow
* Periyar cow population : Around 1,000 in central Keralam farms.
* Average milk yield : 2.5 to 4 litres.
* Milk is classified as A2 Beta casein, the healthiest variety.
* It contains 4.5% fat and 9.1% SNF (Solids Not Fat).
* First breeding usually occurs at 26 months and first calving at 35 months. Gestation period is 279
days.
Courtesy : Excerpted from Gopika Varrier's article in the NIE, 22 Aug.
No comments:
Post a Comment