In India, the Punganur cow stands out as the world’s smallest breed. Even Prime Minister Modi is fascinated by these cows, as seen in a viral image during the morning of Makar Sankranti.
Punganur Cows: The Smallest in the World:
Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, the Punganur breed is among the world’s tiniest cows. India boasts over 43 native cow breeds, and the Punganur, admired by PM Modi, is on a conservation path.
Punganur cows are distinctive for their small stature. Efforts are underway to protect this dwindling breed. What sets them apart is their milk, containing 8% fat compared to the typical 3.5% in regular cow’s milk.
Productivity and Diet:
Weighing between 110 to 200 kilograms, these cows produce 2 to 3 liters of high-quality milk daily. Surprisingly, they consume only 5 kilograms of fodder a day.
Origin and Conservation:
Originating from Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, these cows are named after Punganur in the southeastern part of the Deccan Plateau. Efforts led by individuals like Krishna Raju are striving to conserve the breed.
Punganur’s Unique Characteristics:
Known for their minimalistic diet and nutritious milk, Punganur cows have historically been cherished in South India due to their resilience to drought conditions.
While the 2013 livestock census reported only 2,772 Punganur cows in Andhra Pradesh, recent years have witnessed increased conservation efforts. The 2019 census recorded 13,275 Punganur cows, making them the third least populous cattle breed in the country.
Popularity and Pricing:
Due to their petite size, Punganur cows have gained popularity, with a pair selling for anywhere between 1 to 2.5 million rupees. The smaller the cow, the higher its value in the market.
Positive takeaway
The Punganur cow’s unique characteristics make it a symbol of India’s diverse and rich cattle heritage. Efforts to conserve this breed are crucial to maintaining the genetic diversity of Indian cows.
