Periyar Cow — Kerala's Indigenous Cattle Breed Gets National Recognition


Key Facts

  • Also known as Periyar Kullan.

  • Indigenous cattle breed of Kerala.

  • Associated with the Western Ghats and plantation/forest-fringe areas.

  • Also known locally as Kuttampuzha cattle/Andukanni.

  • A relatively small/dwarf cattle breed.

  • Adapted to semi-feral and silvopastoral systems.

  • Registered by ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).

  • It became the second indigenous cattle breed from Kerala to receive national recognition after the Vechur cattle. (Insights IAS)

Significance

  • Conservation of indigenous animal genetic resources.

  • Climate-resilient livestock.

  • Low-input farming systems.

  • Preservation of local breeds.

Prelims

Periyar Kullan → Kerala → indigenous cattle → Western Ghats region.