Abstract

There are four important breeds of cattle in South India viz., the Amirthamahal and Hallikar in the Mysore State; the Ongole in the Guntur District and the Kangayam in the Coimbatore District. These four breeds are not the outcome of any scientific breeding as it is the case in Western countries, though in maintaining the purity of the breeds, some crude principles might have been observed by the ryots. These four breeds differ from one another in their characteristics-the Amirthamahal and Hallikar are known for their nimble foot on the road; the Ongole for its massive body and slowness in speed combined with immense capacity to haul heavy loads; the Kangayam for its medium size and long life espe- cially when put to heavy agricultural work such as mhoting. In Western countries cattle breeders pay great attention not only to pedigree breeding but also to feeding and upbringing of cattle. Stall feading plays on im- portant role. The advantage in stall feeding is that the best forage can be supplied to the animal in required quantities and the deficiencies made up by suitable concentrates. Unfortunately, in this country, catlle feeding is still a neglected problem.

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