FORMER'S NOTE
Banni bovine breed bequeaths big benefits
M.J. PRABU
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The animals are robust and used for both milking and heavy work
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— Photo AAU
BONANZA: Cows can yield about 8 - 10 litres of milk a day, and continue milking for 285-310 days after calving.
THE INDIAN subcontinent is a treasure house of different native cow breeds, such as Kankrej, Sindhi, Sahiwal, Ongole, Gir and Tharparkar. Before the introduction of Jersey and Holstein Fresian (HF) from abroad, these native cattle were found in abundance in our country.
Cross breeding these cattle with Jersey and HF bulls for increasing milk yield has slowly and steadily wiped out a number of these native breeds.
Becoming extinct
Though cross breeding to an extent has increased the milk production, the true genetic characteristics of these native breeds have been lost. As a result a number of common breeds are gradually becoming extinct, according to veterinarians.
One such breed is the Kankrej or Banni cattle, which are native to Gujarat. The animal is also known as Nagar and Vagdhiyar breed.
Kankrej cattle are known for their hardiness, heat and tick infestation resistance and high fat content in their milk. The animals are robust and used for both milking and as draft animals.
Drought conditions
In India, these cattle are ideal for growing in drought conditions. Bulls of this breed are used for pulling heavy vehicles and for fieldwork while the cows are good milk yielders.
Adult bulls weigh about 450-650 kg and cows about 400-550 kg.. Being hardy and resistant to disease by nature, the animals require little attention for their maintenance, according to Dr. J. V. Solanki, Dean, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Anand, Gujarat.
Thick skin
Both the male and female animals have a broad, deep chest with a prominent hump at the back. The body is covered by a loose thick skin with short hair.
The skin is usually pigmented and the tuft at the end of the tail is always black in colour for both the sexes.
The animals have a short face with a slightly upturned nose with broad forehead. "Particularly in males, the hump, fore and hindquarters are usually a shade darker than the rest of the body," said Dr. Solanki.
Good yielders
Kankrej cows are good milk yielders. Cows can yield about 8 - 10 litres of milk a day, and continue milking for 285-310 days after calving, he explained.
Oestrus cycle is normal and cows exhibiting oestrus are generally serviced by stud bulls.
Many cattle breeders who have 10-25 cows have their own breeding bull. Artificial insemination practices are also common for inseminating the cows.
Gestation period
Cows generally bear their first calves around 45 to 47 months of age. Gestation period lasts for about 280 days. Newly born calves have rust red-coloured skin, which disappears in 6 to 9 months after birth.
"Kankrej cows in particular are resistance to mastitis (a disease affecting the udder and teats making it unfit for milking,)" he said.
Animal cost
Cows are priced between Rs.10,000 to 18,000 depending on milk yield and lactation number (that is number of calves it has given birth to).
For more information readers can contact Dr. J. V.Solanki, Dean, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388001.Guajrat. India, email: vetprincipal@yahoo.co.in, phone 2692- 261486 and 261486.
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