Set up a breeding farm in Kangayam tract, provide stipend for maintenance of calves for the first 10 months, and extend financial assistance to maintain typical grazing areas of Kangayam cattle, were some of the demands put forward to the State Government by the 250 breeders and conservationists of Kangayam cattle breed who participated in a deliberation at Kangayam on Friday.
K.S.M. Karthikeya, managing trustee of Senapathy Kangayam Cattle Research Foundation, which is involved in the conservation and breeding of genetically pure Kangayam cattle for the last six decades, told The Hindu that such breeding farm could be set up as a public-private partnership venture.
“The government should ensure availability of adequate quantity of artificial semen straws,” he said.
One of the main concerns of the breeders of the Kangayam cattle had been the degradation in Korangadu, a typical grazing area of the species containing over 25 types of trees and shrubs over the last few decades.
“There should be some financial assistance to enthuse the farmers to preserve the Korangadu, which is essential for the breeding and preservation of genetically pure Kangayam cattle,” said Mr. Karthikeya.
Experts from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and a team of veterinarians led by L. Nagarajan, the Regional Director of Animal Husbandry, spoke on methods to rear and multiply Kangayam cattle without losing its indigenous traits. The programme was organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry.
