Executive Summary
In order to create awareness on conservation of local breeds a programme has been
undertaken by SEVA to support pastoral communities in the breeding tract of 10 local
livestock breeds in Tamil Nadu .This project has been implemented with financial
support from NABARD –FTTP scheme for one year during 2011-2012 . SEVA has
studied the breed keeping communities, population of animals in selected villages and
organised village level workshops and demonstrated animal health camps using local
herbal preparations . Suggestions for future plan of action has been highlighted . The
summary of the work is presented below :
1.Pulikulam Cattle Breed
Pulikulam cattle are maintained as migratory herd with herd size of about 150-400
animals in Madurai and Sivagangai Districts. This Pulikulam cattle breed is known for
supplying bullocks for ploughing , draught purpose and for bull riding (Jallikkattu)
purpose. Farmers are benefited through penning which provides rich organic manure for
agricultural crops.
The animals are with compact body and powerful. They are swift and vigorous. For
bull riding events (Jallikattu) Pulikulam cattle are trained. It is medium sized, horned,
strong cattle with good posture. Bulls are very strong, vigorous with well-developed
hump, naval flap and dewlap. The animals are more resistant to communicable and
parasitic diseases as compared to the crossbreds in that area under hot and wet conditions.
The present population of Pulikulam cattle breed is about 20,000 . Herders derive
income through penning, sale of male calves and sale of manure .The animals are taken
to forest grazing during monsoon season viz. Oct – Jan and later on move to plain lands
for grazing in harvested fields and penning in farmers field during night time . Nowadys
forest grazing is not permitted for the last 13 years and therefore this is one of major
reason for decline in population of cattle from 1lakh during 1990s to 21,225 in 2012.
SEVA has organized training cum workshop , animal health camps, exposure visit to
convention on biological diversity, breed saviour awards to create awareness and to
address grazing issues being faced by the herders. Resolution has been passed in
Uthappanaickanur panchayat grama sabha for providing grazing permits as per Forest
Rights Act 2006. NBAGR, Karnal has approved the registration of Pulikulam cattle as
35th breed in our country . The district administration is looking into forest grazing issues
of herders and discussion is continued at revenue division level at Usilamaptti. Futre plan
of work on breed conservation shall include providing drinking water facilities through
renovation of existing ponds in Manangathan and Pulikulam villages ( Manamathurai
Taluk , Sivaganga District ) and allowing to enter Pilavukkal /Kovilar dams adjoining to
Squirrel Sanctuary Forests in Srivilliputhur and providing water in other sites as well
are to be mapped. High milk yielding cows in pulikulam breed are to be identified for
selective breeding for breeding improvement programme through milk yield competition.
2. Malaimadu cattle
Malaimadu’ cattle means ‘hill cattle’ is being maintained by communities viz. Konar,
Thevar, Naickers, Moopars in Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli ,Theni, Dindigul and
Karur Districts of Tamil Nadu State. There are about 250 families maintaining a cattle
population of about 20,000 . This Malaimadu cattle breed is known for supplying
bullocks for ploughing and for draught purpose but nowadays are utilized mainly for
penning and manuring famers field.
Malaimadu breed are short and sturdy and body colour varies from place to place based
on availability of vegetation .During the monsoon Oct.- Dec and April - June the cattle
are sent to forests (western ghats / Sirumalai hills ) for grazing; in the off-season after
the harvest of paddy or other crops the cattle are let into the fallow lands for the purpose
of grazing and penning.
The decline of population of cattle from few lakhs to 20,000 is due to various factors viz.
the denial of grazing permits by forest officials , the unavailability of labour to look after
the herds and tractorization, which reduces the demand for plough bullocks or draught
animals .
SEVA has organized training cum workshop , animal health camps to create awareness
and invited department officials to address their grazing issue . Resolution has been
passed in 3 village grama sabhas viz.Kansapuram, Sethunarayanapuram, Koomapatti in
Watrap block,Virudhunagar district for providing grazing permits as per Forest Rights
Act 2006 . Animal drinking water ponds which are also used for grazing purpose has
been identified for removing encroachment in Watrap block,Virudhunagar district where
large number of malaimadu cattle are being maintained. Regular animal health camps
,removal of encroachments in ponds,tanks and forest grazing permits will improve the
status of malaimadu cattle breed and breed keepers.
3.Umbalachery Cattle
Umbalacheri cattle breed is known for wetland ploughing and the animals can be
managed with low input system . This cattle breed is noticed in Nagapattinam, Thanjavur
and Thiruvarur districts in Tamil Nadu state. The farming communities like Pillai,
Padaiyachi, Chettiyar, Vellalar, Paraiyar, Konar and Iyyer have been maintaining this
cattle breed.
The Umbalachery is a medium sized draught type of cattle .The head is straight and
moderate in width with pronounced white markings in the fore head ,foot and tail. The
animal yields upto 3 litres of milk per time with lactation period of 6-10 months. One
pair of bullocks can carry about 2 tonnes of agricultural produce through bullock cart.
The animal requires least maintenance and it thrives well with paddy straw. It is a
drought and disease resistance hardy animal. There were 34 herds of cattle during 2004
and now it is reduced to 20 only .The population reduction is 40 percent due to shortage
of labour for herding system, encroachment of common lands , no caring of ponds .The
cattle population in villages known for original breeding tract
viz
Umbalachery,Thalagnayiru, Korkai,Wattakudi, Aymur,Vadugur is less than 1,000. At
present famers are allowing their cows to be inseminated with jersey cross bred due to
lack of availability of semen of native breed or in order to increase milk yield .
Based on family heritage the breed have different varieties such as Attukarimadu ,
Ganapathiyan Madu . Sooriyankattu Madu ,Venna Madu , Mariapillai madu.
They depend upon extensive grazing system and cattle herds are formed by pooling
animals from animal owners for the purpose of grazing and penning and herd size will be
400 – 500 animals. Herding system will start from middle of January after the harvest of
paddy crop and it will continue till water enters the river i.e. during July when paddy will
be ready for sowing .These animals depend upon common lands for grazing and also
ponds , tanks provide drinking water for animals . The cattle keepers earn income by
selling their male calves at Rs. 3,000/- per calf of 6 months age .
SEVA has conducted awareness raising through village level training cum workshops
,animal health camps using herbal preparations ,breeders group meeting, micro credit for
members.We promoted Umbalachery cattle herders group in Korkai village for
strengthening breeding services .There is need for removal of encroachment of grazing
land of 107 acres in Umbalachery village and also for allotment of funds for renovation
of animal drinking water ponds viz, in Umbalachery village: manjal kuttai ,
Karuppukulam ,Ayyannarkulam , Vellakuttai . In Vattakudi village : Cherangulam ,
Thalaiyarikuttai . Kilakku uppukulam. In Aymnur village : Thangarankulam ,
Ayyanarkulam. In Korkai Panchayat : Ulagachukadu –Uppukulam ,Keelkorkai-
Vethukulam , Korkai-Velamodu , Melakorkai-Muthakulam , Thalaikattu villageChinnaudaippan , Periya Korkai-Vengalam .These ponds shall not be auctioned for
fishing as they will drain out the water before fishing. We have identified genuine herders
who deserve receiving Umbalachery bulls . We prepared a policy note on how Korkai
breeding farm with 400 cattle can be sustained on a long term basis with minimal
support from Government while benefitting local cattle keepers and in turn they
contributes regularly as grazing fee .
Suggestions for breed improvement program by selecting high milk yielding cows for
selective breeding shall be initiated through animal fair and milk yield competition for
native breed .In the veterinary dispensary or AI sub centres semen of Umbalachery cattle
bull are to be made available .
4. Nattukattai cattle
Naattu kuttai is locally called as Nattumadu and it is found in villages in and around
Marakkanam and Tindivanam area of Villupuram District villages viz Nadukkuppam ,
Kanthadu , Mudaliarpettai , Pudhupakkam , Kootikuppam. It is a close resemblance of
local breed “Punganoor” or “Thiruchendur Kulli” and they are short and compact with
colour of body is brown or grey . The breed is not yet described officially . The males
fetch good price and procured for draught and meat purpose by other farmers and female
cows are kept by themselves ; it yields upto 3 litres per day and usually consumed locally
. After introduction of tractor the relevance of bullocks for ploughing and local transport
has reduced considerably . But still about 20 percent of farmers in this region of
Marakkanam , Tindivanam are using bullocks of’Nattukuttai’ . Marginal farmers ,
women and labourers are keeping this breed as they are easy to manage or less cost
compared with maintenance of jersey cross bred daisy cows . The population is about
500 animals and it can be termed as endangered . SEVA has created awareness on the
importance of conservation of this breed through regular meetings , cattle health camps
by using herbal preparations in villages viz Nadukuppam , Vandiyur , K.N.Palayam ,
Thirukanoor . Local people have developed skill of preparing “masala bolus “ which
become much popular among the communities .Breed Savior award has been given to
Mr.Manjini for conserving Naattukuttai cattle and it was supported by National
Biodiversity Authority . For details refer case study of Mr.Manjini in annexure 2 . The
cattle population become mixed type as pure males of breed is rare or they are exposed
to local bulls which are either cross bred or opting for artificial insemination with exotic
breeds. Breed improvement program shall be initiated with selected farmers by providing
pure bull after surveying the entire breeding tract . Locating a superior bull of local
“Nattu kuttai” and using them for breeding purpose will certainly improve the quality of
animals. There is no dairy cooperatives and they depend on local vendors for marketing
purpose. Therefore dairy cooperatives are to be promoted for marketing the milk with
better price. The grazing lands in Kaliveli (lake site adjoining the sea coast ) is
encroached by corporate sector involved in prawn farming, mining etc. Therefore this has
to be retrieved for grazing purpose .
5.Bargur Cattle
Bargur cattle are medium built draught breed adapted to semi mountainous terrain of
Bargur hills in Erode district . The animals are red colour with white patches and red
colour is also noticed in muzzle , tail and hooves .The male calves fetch good price as
they are trained for carrying loads through bullock cart . The animals are maintained in
herds with average about 80-100 per herd . The cattle from famers are pooled temporarily
and herds are formed and grazed during Adi- Margali (July – January ) in forests when
crop is sown all over the area . After the harvest of crops i.e. during summer (Feb – June)
the animals will be sent to respective farmers . There are 134 herds with a population of
10,000 . However the pure Bargur cattle is less than 3000 . Bargur cattle are invariably
mixed with grey coloured country cattle called Malaimadu . Nowadays forest department
is not allowing the herders to camp inside the forest especially in Gergekandy area .
Therefore many herders drove their animals to adjacent Karnataka forests to escape
harassment from Tamil Nadu forest department officials . This is one of the major reason
for decline in the number of cattle which was 20,000 during 2006 and about 100000
during 1990. Now the closure of forests also resulted in spreading the growth of
poisonous weed plant locally called as Unnichedi (Lantana camara ). This weed is also
taking away grazing area of not only of cattle but also of the wild ruminants .
However Lingayat communities are interested to revive their pastoralists culture provided
forest department is recognizing their grazing rights including camping inside the forest .
SEVA has conducted awareness raising through village level training cum workshops
,animal health camps using herbal preparations , population survey with the help of
members. SEVA has earlier prepared Biocultural Protocol of Lingayat Communities who
conserve domestic animal biodiversity and traditional knowledge . SEVA has given
orientation to claim grazing rights under Forest Rights Act 2006 .Accordingly they have
passed resolution in the Gramsabha on 15 August 2012.
6.Bargur Buffalo
The Bargur buffaloes are short statured with compact body and pale ash coloured
animal.Buffaloes are maintained to meet the milk requirements for their own home
consumption .The buffaloes of local type which yields 2 litres of milk per day and are
good in climbing hills and suitable for grazing in hill terrain or in slopes. The Buffalo
species maintained by them are called as Malai Erumai or Bargur buffaloes They
developed indigenous knowledge in management of animal herds , selection of bulls ,
medicinal and grass species for animal nutrition and treatment etc. These animals do not
survive or retain their vigor if they are forced to stall feeding and therefore adopted with
forest ecosystem . Over the last 20 years almost all the forest area is covered with the
Lantana bushes . The local villagers have knowledge about the type of grass species and
their importance to cattle as well as wild elephants . Due to encroachment to Lantana the
local grass species are almost suppressed or have vanished and affected grazing areas of
cattle and buffaloes.
The buffaloe population is less than 1000 and when we surveyed in 14 hamlets out of 32
it was 622 . The average size of herd is 2-5 .Nowadays the restriction of animal graziers
into forests has considerably reduced the population of Bargur cattle but buffalo
population is static . SEVA has conducted awareness raising through village level
training cum workshops ,animal health camps using herbal preparations , population
survey with the help of members. SEVA has earlier prepared Biocultural Protocol of
Lingayat Communities who conserve domestic animal biodiversity and traditional
knowledge. Recently Department of Animal husbandry has introduced AI program with
Murrha semen to local buffaloes . Instead of AI program with Murrah semen,
distribution of bulls of local buffaloes as insisted by local communities has to be
encouraged.
7. Toda Buffalo
Toda buffalo is a unique buffalo breed noticed in Nilagiri hills (Western-Ghats of Tamil
Nadu State) in about 50 tribal’s settlements locally called as “Toda Mandu”. The present
population is about 1,500. The life of Todas is largely centred on their sacred buffaloes
which form an integral part of their sustenance and cultural heritage . The Toda buffaloes
are unique in their behavior and morphological characteristics including the size and
shape of horns and significantly differ from other buffaloes of the plains . Some
buffaloes are devoted for temple purpose and they are known as Posthir , such animals
are milked exclusively to make clarified butter or ghee for lighting the lamps in temple
during 3 months in a year (Jan-March ). There are about 200 buffaloes of this temple
buffaloes in entire mund .The over all population shows there is small decline in the
population of animals for reasons as younger generation is not showing much interest ;
also attack by wild predators and buffalo causalities are much higher nowadays;
mortality of calves due to lack of veterinary care and availability of breeding bulls is not
there in few munds .
SEVA has conducted awareness raising through village level training cum workshops
,animal health camps using herbal preparations , population survey with the help of
members. District collector has assured to help Toda youth on training on primary health
care for animals. Removal of exotic plantations such as Eucalyptus , Pinus , Wattle will
regenerate the original pasture lands; protection from attack of wild predators ; removal
of plastic heaps in Theettukkal, preventing pollution from PPI (Protein Products of India,
manufacturer of chemical fertilizer) industry which affects the drinking water source of
animals, construction of community calf shed, regular deworming, quick compensation
of loss of buffalos due to predation by the wild animal were highlighted which need
intervention at policy level.
8. Vembur Sheep
Vembur Sheep is found in dryland area of Thoothukudi ,and Virudhunagar Districts
where vast tract of block cotton soil is existent .It has fast growth rate under dryland
conditions . Over the last 10 years the population in Vembur region is more or less static
with little decline in population : in and around Vembur village the original breeding
tract is established, the population is 4142 . The herders are depend upon open grazing
and they face shortage of drinking water during summer / periods of drought . SEVA has
promoted sheep herders association in and around Vembur . SEVA has conducted
awareness raising through village level training cum workshops ,animal health camps
using herbal preparations ,breeders group meeting, micro credit for members .The
pastoralists need regular deworming services and to augument water sources for drinking
water for animals by identifying and renovating existing ponds . tanks as well as
installation of hand pumps as wells at appropriate places .In order to increase the breed
population breed improvement programme initiated in 10 selected villages in Pudur ,
Ettayapuram , Sathur blocks by promoting nucleus breeding units at farmers level (each
unit size - 6 male kids of 3 months old ) . Elite male rams are reared till 7-8 months and
distributed to selected herds and exchange of rams after one year to avoid inbreeding.
Conservation of important herbs useful for animal disease viz.Aloe vera ,Thaluthalai
(Clerodendron phlomoides) are to be undertaken in kitchen garden etc. Administration
of Aloe vera once in a month will keep the animals healthy especially against blue
tongue disease .
9. Kachaikatty Black sheep
Kachaikatty black sheep is noticed in Kachakatti, Bodi Naickenpatti, Kulasekarankottai,
Viralipatti villages in Vadipatti Taluk of Madurai district . The animals are moderate in
size, compact body and colour of hairs is complete black. The breed is identified with
different types viz. Mooli Adu, Sonaiyadu, Ilaikathu Adu, Kenambadu based on size of
ear and horn in ewes. The animals are well known for ram fighting during village festival
or sports . The population of the sheep is around 2000 and local herders who depend
upon sheep keeping for their livelihoods are taking them to open grazing including
Vaguthumalai forests of Sirumalai hills. The breed is susceptible to foot and mouth
disease if animals are not taken to forests grazing during rainy season. This breed is not
yet described and registration of breed is being pursued by SEVA with NBAGR,,
Karnal .
Over the last 14 years grazing has been banned and it is the major reason for reduction in
the population . SEVA has conducted awareness raising through village level training
cum workshops ,animal health camps using herbal preparations ,breeders group meeting
micro credit for members . Regular deworming , preventive treatment and providing
grazing rights in forests will encourage the local herders for up keep of sheep population.
SEVA has promoted sheep breeders association and Breed Saviour Award 2010 has been
given to the association .
10. Kanni Adu Goat
Kanni adu goats are black coloured tall animals with white coloured strips on both the
sides of head and on ears . Strips are distinct from the base of the horn to the end of
muzzle , lower abdomen and above the foot of legs . They are found in black cotton soil
region of Sathur , Sivakasi (Virudhunagar dist) , Kovilpatti ( Thoothukudi dist) ,
Kalingapatti ( Tirunelveli dist ) . There are two types based on body colour : Palkanni
(white )and Karunganni (black ) .
We have studied the population of Kanniyadu goats in 22 selected villages in
Virudhunagar , Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi Districts and it is about 5000 goats kept by
200 herders with average herd size varies from of 12-25. Mostly marginal farmers ,
laborers and especially women involve in managing herd .They depend upon common
lands under extensive production system .
SEVA has conducted awareness raising through village level training cum workshops
,animal health camps using herbal preparations in Kalingapatti and Veeranapuram
villages in Tirunelveli District . One goat breeder Mrs. Subbuthai in Duraisamypuram
village,Sivakasi taluk has been awarded with Breed Saviuor Award 2011 with assistance
of National biodiversity Authority. She has revived the breed in this village where many
traditional communities gave up the activity due to incidence of heavy mortality of goats
few years back.
The pastoralists need regular deworming services and to augument water sources for
drinking water for animals by identifying and renovating existing ponds , tanks ,
installation of hand pumps as wells at appropriate places .In order to increase the breed
population breed improvement programme initiated in 10 selected villages in Sivakasi,
Sathur ,Vembakottai, Sankarankoil blocks by promoting nucleus breeding units at
farmers level (each unit size - 6 male kids of 3 months old ) . Elite male bucks are reared
till 7-8 months and distributed to selected herds and exchange of bucks after one year to
avoid inbreeding. Conservation of important herbs useful for animal disease viz.Aloe
vera ,Thaluthalai (Clerodendron phlomoides) are to be undertaken in slected fields and
ban on using all round weedicide such as 2-4D which affects environment and
biodiversity . Administration of Aloe vera once in a month will keep the animals healthy .