Published in: March 2017

Since ancient times, there has been a close relationship between humans and livestock, especially between Tamils and cattle, as evidenced by the traditional sport of jallikattu and Sangam literature. Our ancestors used jallikattu as a means of selecting the best bulls for breeding, thereby developing superior cattle breeds based on the principle of survival of the fittest.

Over the past fifty years, many cattle breeds in Tamil Nadu have gradually declined, leaving only six prominent breeds: Kangeyam, Pulikulam, Bargur, Umblachery, Malaimadu, and Alambadi.

Kangeyam

The Kangeyam breed is famous in areas like Kangeyam, Erode, Karur, and Namakkal in Tirupur district. The calves are red for the first six months and then turn grey. These cattle are known for their sturdy legs, majestic appearance, and robust temperament, which are typical traits of native breeds. The horns are long, spaced apart, and slightly curved backward.

The dark circles around the eyes add beauty to these cattle. A cow produces 600 to 700 kilograms of milk in one lactation period. The pride of Tamil Nadu, Kangeyam cattle are highly valued.

Bargur

Found in the Bargur hills of Bhavani taluk in Erode district, these cattle are brown with white patches. They have a compact, well-built body and a black muzzle. The horns are light brown and close together.

Umblachery

This breed is found in the Cauvery delta districts like Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Nagapattinam. Known by various names such as Jathi Madhu, Mottai Madhu, and Moola Madhu, Umblachery cattle have a compact build and strong legs.

Their faces are marked with white patches, and the body color is either red or brown, turning grey after six months. The horns are very short, and since their growth stops early, they are also known as Thanjavur Mottai Madhu (hornless cattle).

Pulikulam

Pulikulam cattle are found in Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, and Pudukkottai districts. Known as draft animals or plough cattle, they are also referred to as Pulikulam cattle. It is said that fields ploughed with these cattle do not need fertilization for three years.

In Kerala, Pulikulam cattle are highly beneficial for organic grape farming. These bulls are widely used in jallikattu.

Malaimadu

This small breed, found in Erode district, is also known as the Semmarai breed. Their hooves are as tough as granite, making it unnecessary to shoe them for hoof protection.

They graze extensively in forests. The tribal people who rear these cattle are significantly affected because many states have yet to adopt the Central Government’s Forest Rights Act.

Alambadi

Once prevalent in Dharmapuri, Hosur, and Krishnagiri, Alambadi cattle are now nearly extinct. These cattle resemble the Hallikar breed with their grey, black, or white bodies. Their hallmark is the backward-curved horns. Though they may not run fast, they have excellent draught and work abilities.

Dr. R. Pradeep, Dr. C. Alimudeen, Veterinary College, Chennai – 600 007.