Contest aimed at enthusing cattle breeders to save the species from extinction

Displaying their trademark sturdiness, a total of 452 Kangayam head of cattle lined up for a beauty contest-cum-exhibition organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry at Kangayam here on Saturday.

A panel of six judges, comprising experts from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and retired officials from Animal Husbandry Department, evaluated the cattle in terms of classification Kangayam Bull, Kangayam Bullock and Kangayam Cow as well as by their colours. In the end, as many as 78 proud owners of Kangayam cattle from Coimbatore, Tirupur, Dindigul, Erode and Karur districts, the areas falling under the Kangayam cattle tract, walked away with cash prizes totalling Rs.1.8 lakh.

“The contest has been aimed at enthusing cattle breeders and farmers to opt for different varieties of pure Kangayam breed and save the species from extinction,” L. Nagarajan, the Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, said.

M. Thangamuthu (48), a farmer from Sivanmalai, who came with his majestic Kangayam Bull for the sheer pride of participation, told The Hindu that the government should provide assistance to farmers/breeders to offset the cost of rearing if the population had to be multiplied.

“Nurturing the Kangayam breed in a healthy manner requires almost Rs. 300 a day these days,” he pointed out.

A large number of visitors thronged the event venue and among were veterinary students and researchers.

Good experience

“It is a good experience as the event not only provided us with an opportunity to see different varieties of genetically pure Kangayam cattle breed at a single place but also to interact with its breeders,” a student from Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Tamil Nadu / Tirupur – February 09th, 2014