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About Ongole cattle:
- Distinct Features of Ongole Cattle
- Large hump, broad forehead, muscular build, and heat tolerance.
- Known for disease resistance and ability to survive on low fodder.
- Primarily found in Andhra Pradesh, especially in Ongole, Prakasam, Guntur, and Nellore districts.
- Also reared in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.
- Though once recognized for good milk yield, selective breeding for strength over milk production led to a decline in output.
- Ongole Cattle in Brazil vs. India
- In Brazil, Ongole cattle are bred for meat production, with breeders developing larger and meatier varieties like Viatina-19.
- In India, Ongole numbers have declined drastically, from 15 lakh (1944) to 6.34 lakh (2019), despite conservation efforts.
- Challenges in India
- Farmers prefer crossbred cattle for higher milk yield, leading to a 29.5% rise in exotic breeds from 2012 to 2019.
- Mechanization in agriculture reduced the demand for Ongole bulls, previously prized for draught power.
- Slaughter bans in most states prevent commercial meat production, limiting economic incentives for breeding.
- Decline in Milking Ability
- British records (19th century): Ongole cows produced 17L of milk/day.
- Early 20th century: Yield reduced to 4.9–6.3L/day.
- By 1936: Milk production dropped to 4.76L/day, due to selective breeding for strength rather than milk yield.
Why in News?
- Concerns have been raised as despite being India’s pride, the Ongole breed is at risk due to declining numbers, changing farming needs, and preference for crossbred cows.
