Decked in traditional finery, hundreds of cows and bulls strutted down the ramp for a beauty pageant here, with a huge crowd cheering their every move.
As farmers led their animals, the panel of experts judged the animals for their size and overall looks, the length of their horns and, for the cows, their milk-yielding capacity.
On the ramp, the bovines displayed their individuality. Some sashayed with casual grace, while others dug in their heels and had to be pulled and prodded by their owners to walk for the judges.
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Rani, a cow from Imlauta village in Bhiwani district edged out the competition to emerge triumphant in its category, said a spokesperson of the International Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, which conducted the bovine beauty pageant.
The judges selected 18 winners in various categories, choosing the healthiest and best-looking cows and bulls. The winners carried home prizes and a winner’s sash.
“I have brought my best cow for the show and she has won a prize,” Randhir Singh, a farmer nearby Dwarka village, said as he pointed to a red ribbon tied around the head of his well-groomed cow, which won first place in its category.
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About 600 cattle from different districts participated in the pageant to raise awareness about indigenous bovine breeds.
Cattle breeds like Hariana, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Rathi, Belahi and Gir took part in the event held at Bahu Akbarpur. Farmers from all 21 districts of Haryana participated.
Haryana Agriculture Minister O.P. Dhankar, who was chief guest, appealed to cattle breeders to assist the government in promoting indigenous breeds.