Vechur cattle – from extinction to sustainability
2013
Iype, Sosamma
The Vechur Cattle of South Kerala (India), once popular and known for its comparatively high milk yield compared with the other local varieties, had become almost extinct by the 1980s. This was due to the massive cross-breeding with exotic bulls implemented by the Government in order to enhance milk production. But the launching of a search for the last available specimens of the variety and the initiation of a conservation effort in 1989 in the Kerala Agricultural University by the author and a team of her students resulted in saving this valuable breed. With 10 years time the distribution of the progeny of the foundation stock to the farmers could be started. The conservation work was taken forward with strong determination in spite of unexpected events. The Vechur cattle was subsequently recognized as a cattle breed of India. The cow yields 2.5 litres of milk daily during the lactation period of about 8 months. It has emerged as a sustainable cow to farmers. The adaptability of the animal to the hot humid tropical countries has special significance as an insurance for the future. It also has the potential to be a small good beef breed. The value of the milk including the small fat globule size, presence of A2 beta-lactalbumin protein and higher arginine content has been proven scientifically. The total population size in Kerala is estimated to be 2000 animals.
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