People to the rescue

14/09/1997

One of the ancient breeds of Indian cattle, the Ongole, which originated in the coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh, consists of large and tough animals. Capable of high performance even under high temperature and humidity, the breed is hardly affected by insects and is strongly resistant to diseases spread by blood-sucking parasites. The Ongole feeds on grasses and cultivated plants like millets, jowar and gram. The cow's average milk yield is 14 litres per day. A pair of Ongole bullocks can pull loads up to four metric tonnes.

Recognising their hardiness and strength, these animals were imported by Southeast Asian countries, Australia, the US and the West Indies. Brazil bought Ongole cattle from India around the end of the 19th century, where the breed has thrived.

In its homeland, improved irrigation and commercialisation and mechanisation of agriculture resulted in the decline of Ongole population. Crossbreeding with Jersey and Holstein contributed to the trend. The current population is estimated to be around 10,000 heads as compared to 94,000 in 1927-28.

However, farmers who use them as draught animals have come to the rescue of the breed in its natural habitat. The Ongole Cattle Improvement Society and the State Ongole Cattle Breeders' Association (SOCBA) are contributing to conservation efforts. The cattle are being bred at two farms run by the Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University in Guntur and the state government animal husbandry department in Tanuku. However, the SOCBA feels that allocation of funds is insufficient for conservation to be sustainable, and the government should intensify its efforts.

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