Latest news with #Vechur
Time of India
08-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
5 of the world's tiniest cow breeds and where they're found
These days, there's growing interest in small-scale, sustainable farming– and as it turns out, tiny cows fit right in. Not just because they're small, but because they actually make sense for people working with limited land, resources, or budgets. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Unlike large breeds raised for mass production, these miniature cows are manageable, hardy, and efficient. They're showing up on family farms, in village communities, and even in backyard setups– from India to the U.S. Here are five of the smallest cow breeds out there– each with its own quirks, strengths, and purpose. Vechur This breed comes from Kerala and is often called the world's smallest cow. But beyond its size, what really stands out is its milk– rich in A2 beta-casein, which many say is easier to digest than the common A1 variant. They're little but tough animals. Eat less, fall sick rarely, and handle heat and rain without a fuss. Many farmers in southern India still rely on them because they're just that easy to keep. Miniature Zebu These cows have a hump, short legs, and calm personalities. Originally from South Asia, but now a favourite in the U.S. – especially on small farms and ranches. They're not huge milk producers, but that's not really the point. They're sturdy, good in hot weather, and don't need much. Plus, they're friendly, which makes them great for hobby farms or as companion animals. Punganur Native to Andhra Pradesh, this breed is tiny but valuable. Its milk is rich– high in fat– and is especially loved in homes that make ghee and butter the traditional way. One of the best things? It doesn't need much to survive. A bit of water, a little fodder, and it gets by, even during dry months. That's what makes it a favourite in drought-prone areas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Somba Not a household name globally, but in parts of West Africa– especially Benin and Togo– this breed matters. Small, yes. But sturdy. It grows slowly but doesn't need much, and it handles rough land well. In places where resources are scarce and farming is about survival, Somba cows are a quiet but vital part of daily life. Panda Cow This one's a bit different. Panda Cows aren't about milk or farm work. They're bred for looks– black-and-white patches that give them a panda-like appearance. They're rare, often kept in petting zoos or on private farms. Not practical for farming use, but popular for their appearance and gentle temperament. More of a collector's animal than a working breed.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
5 lesser-known cow breeds found in India
In today's dairy world, the spotlight is often on foreign cattle and high-yielding hybrids. From urban grocery stores to big farming expos, the focus usually stays on numbers– litres of milk per day, imported genes, and commercial gains. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But in the corners of rural India, a different story continues. It's the story of native cattle breeds– cows that may not produce record-breaking quantities of milk, but have quietly supported generations of farmers. These indigenous cows need less care, adjust well to harsh climates, and are easier on farmers' pockets. In a time when rising costs, extreme weather, and sustainability are all shaping how we farm, these local breeds are proving to be more useful than many realise. Here are five Indian cattle breeds that continue to play a vital role in the lives of small farmers. Tharparkar Common in Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, the Tharparkar is a medium-sized cow with a grey or white coat. It's known for handling dry, hot weather with ease. It gives around 6 to 8 litres of milk a day and is also used for ploughing. What makes it valuable is its ability to survive in areas with very little water, where most other breeds would struggle. Kankrej The Kankrej comes from northern Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan. It has a muscular build, a dark grey coat, and curved horns, making it useful for both milk and farm work. This breed gives about 5 to 7 litres of milk daily. It's also known for resisting diseases and working well even with poor-quality feed. Because of its hardiness, many countries use it in crossbreeding to improve local cattle. Vechur Native to Kerala, the Vechur is one of the smallest cows in the world. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But despite its size, it produces milk that's high in fat, between 5% and 8%. It usually gives 2 to 3 litres of milk a day. The breed eats very little and thrives with minimal care, making it ideal for small farmers. With more people turning to natural and organic dairy, this breed is slowly gaining attention again, though it's still endangered. Deoni The Deoni cow is found in parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. It has a calm nature and a white body with black or brown patches. It produces 3 to 4 litres of milk per day and is well-suited to dry, low-resource conditions. For farmers using traditional methods, Deoni cows offer good returns without high costs. Sahiwal Originally from the Punjab region, the Sahiwal is now common across north and central India. With its reddish-brown coat and heat tolerance, it's one of India's most reliable milk breeds. It gives about 8 to 10 litres of milk daily and is resistant to many tropical diseases. Countries like Kenya and Australia also use Sahiwal genetics to develop heat-tolerant cattle for dairy.
