Periyar Cow

Periyar Cow Latest News

Recently, the ICAR National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources registered Periyar Cow as an indigenous cattle breed. 

About Periyar Cow

• It is also locally known as ‘Periyar Kullan’ (Periyar dwarf), is only the second native cattle breed from Keralam to receive national recognition,
• First was the Vechur cow, which was recognised in 1996.
• Other names: It is locally known as Kuttampuzha cattle and Andukanni,
• It is traditionally found across Periyar River basin and adjoining plantation and forest landscapes regions of Ernakulam and Thrissur.
• Characteristics
  • It has the distinctive ability to thrive under semi-feral, low-input management and agroforestry conditions, with extensive grazing on naturally available vegetation.
  • It has remarkable adaptation, resilience and ecological fitness.
  • It is a compact, medium-sized animal weighing about 150-200 kg and standing approximately 105-110 cm tall.
  • It can have brown, black or grey colouring, with horizontally placed ears, slightly curved horns and a prominent hump in bulls.
  • Its small build and ability to survive on natural grazing make it relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain.
  • Its milk is valued for its nutritional characteristics. Milk is classified as A2 Beta casein, the healthiest variety
  • The lactation period ranges between 160 and 200 days.

Source: NIE

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