Two research centres in offing to give jallikattu breeds a leg up

CHENNAI: The news of an attempt to sell 12 Kangeyam cows through an open auction by a farm in Krishnagiri district must have disturbed the cattle-lovers and animal rights activists, but the Madras High Court’s intervention to save the fighter breed has soothed their ruffled feelings.

This has happened at a time when the Tamil Nadu government is making efforts for conservation of the native breeds that are decreasing in numbers. Two research centres - one for the drought-resistant Kangeyam breed and another for Pulikulam - are taking shape, each at Pahuthampalayam in Sathyamangalam in Erode district and Manamadurai in Sivagangai district. The former was allocated `2.5 crore and the latter `2 crore.

The department of Animal Husbandry has been implementing the project for conservation of native cattle breeds through the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS). “We have expedited the works for establishing the Kangeyam Cattle Research Station at Sathyamangalam and the Genetic Resource Centre for conservation of indigenous cattle of Pulikulam at Manamadurai,” Dr K Gopal, secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, told Express.

He said the works for setting up the research centres for conservation of the jallikattu breeds would be completed in three months and subsequently the facilities launched.

The authorities have identified 160 acres of land in Pahuthampalayam village in Sathyamangalam while 44 acres will be acquired at Manamadurai for the research facilities.

The project has been handed to the Centre for Animal Production Studies (CAPS) of TANUVAS.
“We will take up conservation activity. Rearing and multiplication will be the focus area for us at the research stations,” said Dr Ramesh Saravanakumar, Director, CAPS.

He added, “We will begin with 50 cows in the initial period and the number will increase in due course of time.”

The native breed of cattle meant for fighting came into the limelight early in the year when the Marina witnessed a historic protest with people from all walks of life spontaneously walking down the beach to uphold the pride of Tamil culture by restoring the brave sport of jallikattu which had faced several hurdles including ban.

According to the 19th quinquennial livestock census, the Kangeyam breed accounts for 1,91,850 and the Pulikulam breed 10,085. Tamil Nadu is well known for five indigenous breeds of cattle - -Kangeyam, Pulikulam, Bargur, Umblachery and Alambadi.

saving BREEDS
Sathyamangalam research station `2.5 cr project cost 160 acres of land
Genetic Resource Centre Manamadurai
`2 cr project cost 44 acres identified