The Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University has initiated steps to establish a research centre for Bargur breed of cattle in the district.
The University is close to finalising the site for the research station mandated with the task of propagating population of the indigenous breed on Bargur hills, according to official sources.
Long-felt need
The Animal Husbandry Ministry's sanction signifies fulfilment of a long-felt need of the farmers who are mostly Kannada-speaking Lingayat community people.
The rearers, who used to maintain large herds that grazed in forest land, were spared of the fodder cost. But now they have scaled down the numbers due to restrictions imposed by the Forest Department.
With the research station in place, the prospect for farmers taking up cattle-rearing as a major income-generation activity could be revived, according to E.N. Sivasenapathy, president of Bargur Hill Cattle Breeders' Association.
For the first time last year, the Animal Husbandry Department conducted an exhibition for the Bargur breed at Thurasanampalayam on the hills.
Farmers say the research station will be helpful in enhancing purity of the breed that has a high resistance capacity to diseases. There is a niche market for ghee, butter and other products made of milk of native breed cows. The products are sold for a premium, Mr. Sivasenapathi said.
Also, Bargur cattle, despite their small size, are sturdy and are capable of hauling heavy loads with ease, and small-scale farmers mainly depend on this breed to plough fields. The hooves of this breed are naturally strong and do not require horseshoes.
This breed is suited to work in uneven hilly terrains. The animals are known for their speed and endurance in trotting.
