TANUVAS

GOAT RESEARCH CENTRE, TENKASI

ABOUT THE CENTRE

The Goat Research Centre (GRC), Tenkasi, established at Chinnakovilankulam village in Sankarankovil Taluk, Tenkasi district, is a premier and strategic unit of the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The centre was established to strengthen small ruminant research, particularly goat production, in the southern agro-climatic zone of the state through integrated research, training, and extension activities. It focuses on addressing region-specific challenges in goat farming, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable and profitable livelihood opportunities for rural farmers. With well-developed farm infrastructure and the maintenance of native goat breeds such as Kanni and Kodi, the centre serves as an important hub for scientific goat farming, technology dissemination, and rural development.

Objectives

To undertake region-specific research on goat breeding, feeding, health, and management to enhance productivity under local agro-climatic conditions.
To conserve and improve native goat genetic resources (Kanni & Kodi breeds).
To promote livelihood and entrepreneurship development through effective extension activities, technology transfer, and efficient resource utilization.

VISION

To emerge as a centre of excellence in goat research and development, promoting sustainable and profitable goat farming systems for enhancing rural livelihoods.

MISSION

Promote scientific goat production and management practices
Conserve and improve native breeds (Kanni & Kodi)
Strengthen farmer capacity through training and demonstrations
Develop sustainable feeding and health management strategies
Support entrepreneurship and rural income generation

LOCATION AND AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

The Goat Research Centre (GRC), Chinnakovilankulam, situated near Sankarankovil in Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu (≈9.2° N, 77.5° E; 100–200 m MSL), falls under the southern agro-climatic dry zone. The area is characterized by flat to gently undulating terrain with scrublands and rocky patches, typical of the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats. Soils are predominantly red sandy loam, with low to moderate fertility and dependence on rainfall. The climate is hot semi-arid, with temperatures ranging from 20–28°C in winter to 35–40°C in summer. The annual rainfall is about 600–800 mm, mainly received during the northeast monsoon. Natural vegetation comprises drought-tolerant species such as Prosopis juliflora, Acacia spp., and native grasses.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Total Area: 52.0 hectares (128.44 acres)
Total Goat Population: 189 (as on 01.04.2026)
Breeds: Kanni Adu & Kodi Adu
Fodder Cultivation: CO-4 & Hedge Lucerne
Farm Mechanization: Tractor (1), Rain gun sprinklers (5) & Chaff cutters (2)

FACILITIES

The Goat Research Centre, Tenkasi, is well-equipped with essential infrastructure and resources to support research and farm operations

Buildings and Infrastructure

Administrative building
Separate animal sheds for Kanni breed (Adult & Young) and Kodi breed (Adult & Young)
Buck shed
Feed storage room
Tractor parking shed

ACTIVITIES

Research and Development

Breed improvement and conservation of native goats (Kanni and Kodi)
Studies on feeding, nutrition, and fodder development
Disease prevention, health management, and productivity enhancement

Farm Operations

Scientific management of breeding, kidding, and growth monitoring
Maintenance of herd records (birth, weight, health, etc.)
Feed and fodder production and utilization

Extension and Training

Training programmes for farmers, students, and entrepreneurs
On-farm demonstrations of improved goat farming practices
Technology transfer and advisory services

Livelihood Support

Promotion of goat farming as a sustainable income source
Support for small and marginal farmers in adopting scientific goat rearing

Administrative and Developmental Activities

Implementation of TANUVAS and Government schemes
Efficient utilization of resources and reporting
Infrastructure development and farm maintenance

Faculty

Name of the Faculty	Designation	E-mail	Mobile#
SELVAM,R	PROFESSOR AND HEAD	selvam.r@tanuvas.ac.in	9940308012
SELVARAJ,T	PROFESSOR	agritselva@gmail.com	8056168810

The Head,
Goat Research Centre,
Chinnakovilankulam, Sankarankovil,
Tenkasi – 627 953

Phone: +91-9940308012
grc@tanuvas.ac.in
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TeKSU3Y85gstqiAJ9