Source: New Indian Express
Context: The ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) officially registered the Periyar cow, popularly known as Periyar Kullan, as an indigenous cattle breed — making it only the second indigenous cattle breed from Kerala to receive national recognition, after the Vechur cow.
What It Is
- A small-to-medium-sized indigenous dwarf cattle breed native to the Western Ghats forest fringes and plantation tracts of central Kerala.
- Also known locally as: Kuttampuzha cattle and Andukanni
Habitat and Distribution
- Geographical range: riverine and plantation belts of Ernakulam and Thrissur districts, Kerala — particularly around Koovappady, Angamaly, Kothamangalam and Chalakudy
- Rearing environment: thrives under semi-feral and silvopastoral systems — grazing within mixed vegetation of trees, shrubs and natural grasses in rubber and spice plantations and forest fringes — with minimal human management
Important Facts for Exams
- NBAGR — ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, located at Karnal, Haryana; it registers India’s animal genetic resources
- Periyar Kullan is Kerala’s second registered indigenous cattle breed, after Vechur
- Vechur is the world’s smallest cattle breed, at about 130 kg
- Periyar Kullan weighs 150–200 kg; yields 2.5–4 litres daily; A2 beta-casein
- Also called Kuttampuzha cattle and Andukanni
- Other famous Indian dwarf breed: Punganur (Andhra Pradesh)
- Silvopastoral — trees, forage and livestock on the same land
- Related programme: Rashtriya Gokul Mission, for indigenous breed conservation and development
