Introduction to Punganur Cattle

On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Prime Minister made headlines by feeding Mini Punganur cows at his residence in New Delhi.
His gesture not only symbolized a cultural tradition but also shed light on this unique cattle breed.

About Punganur Cows

Origin: Punganur cows hail from the Punganur municipality in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district.
Dwarf Stature: These mini cows are exceptionally small, measuring just 70-90 cm in height, with an average weight ranging from 115-200 kg.
Distinctive Features: They are known for their broad foreheads, short horns, and are ideal for small-scale dairy and organic farming.
Milk Capacity: Punganur cows are recognized for their rich milk production, yielding 3 to 5 liters of milk daily.
Temple Use: Many temples in Andhra Pradesh, including the renowned Tirupati Thirumala Temple, use the milk of Punganur cows for Ksheeraabhishekam (milk offerings to deities).
Varied Costs: The Punganur Cow cost ranges from Rs 1 lakh to 10 lakhs, depending on factors like purity and health.

Presence of Gold: Notably, the milk from Punganur cows contains an element identified as ‘Au’, the chemical symbol for gold.
High-Fat Content: Punganur cow’s milk boasts a high-fat content of eight percent, in contrast to 3 to 4 percent in other indigenous breeds.
Nutrient-Rich: This milk is rich in Omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, offering significant nutritional benefits.
Medicinal Value: The milk is believed to possess medicinal properties, contributing to overall health.

Drought-Resistant: Punganur cows exhibit remarkable resilience, with the ability to thrive on dry fodder like grass, straw, and hay.
Docile Temperament: They have a calm and manageable temperament, making them easy to handle.
Disease Resistance: These cows are resistant to common diseases and parasites, adding to their appeal.

Threat of Extinction: At one point, Punganur cattle faced extinction due to a shift towards hybrid cattle for higher milk production.
Mission Punganur: In 2020, the Andhra Pradesh government initiated ‘Mission Punganur’ with an allocation of Rs 69.36 crore to boost the cattle population using IVF technology.
Enhancing Reproduction: The mission aimed to enhance reproductive efficiency, with plans to produce 8.5 offspring from each cow within five years.
PMO’s Involvement: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is also part of the conservation efforts, rearing a group of Punganur cattle.