CENTRE FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION STUDIES

The Kangayam breed of cattle of Tamil Nadu is best known for its superior draught qualities, adaptation to poor nutrition and longevity. Bullocks are primarily used for transport of agricultural produce, besides being used for various agricultural operations. The breed derives its name from its native tract, Kangayam taluk in Tiruppur district. According to estimates from 1996, the Kangayam population in its breeding tract was about 4.79 lakh. However, data from the Animal Husbandry Department indicated a sharp decline, from 11.74 lakh in 1990 to around 4.44 lakh in 2000. Further, a breed survey conducted in 2012 estimated the total population at 1,93,445, of which only about 80,620 were purebred, while 1,12,825 were graded animals.

In response to this alarming decline, the Government of Tamil Nadu established the Kangayam Cattle Research Station with a budget outlay of ₹250 lakhs under the NADP scheme during 2017–2018. The station was set up under Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University at Uppupallam, Baguthampalayam, Sathyamangalam on 18.09.2017.

Apart from cultivation of green and dry fodders, this station also has established Korangaadu pasture land for free grazing of Kangayam cattle. This “Korangadu” pastureland predominantly contain three major species of flora viz., Cenchrus setigerus or C. ciliaris (Kozhukattai grass), Acacia leucophloea (Velvel) and Commiphora berryii (Kiluvai) live fencing. This pasture in the breeding tract provides excellent grazing opportunities for the animals continuously throughout the year with minimal supplementation of fodder inside the paddocks when monsoon fails.

The station organizes training programmes on indigenous cattle farming and preparation of value added products from indigenous cattle. Value added products prepared from Kangayam cow milk including Ghee, Milk peda, Paneer, Butter milk are sold to the needy farmers. Further, to promote the concept of ‘Waste to wealth’, importance is given mainly to promote value addition of waste products such as dung and urine in the form of Dhoop/sambrani, Panchagavya lamp/Diya, God idols, Panchagavya, Amirthakaraisal, Vermicompost, Floor cleaner etc., These initiatives aim to enhance farmers’ income, encourage sustainable agricultural practices, and promote the conservation and economic viability of indigenous cattle breeds.