SCIENTIFIC SOCIOLOGICAL CULTURAL & RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE OF  INDIAN COWS BREED  LIKE PUNGANUR COW IN INDIA

SCIENTIFIC SOCIOLOGICAL CULTURAL & RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE OF  INDIAN COWS BREED  LIKE PUNGANUR COW IN INDIA

The Hindu religion recognises the rights of animals to co-exist with humans; therefore, people are taught to love, nurture and worship them. The religion promotes the belief that various Hindu gods and goddesses incarnate in various animal forms. In the past, kings and emperors used various species of animals in their emblems to show their respect. Many festivals in India are still being celebrated to honour different animals. From a source of milk to a provider of labour and religious inspiration, cows often play a prominent role in Hindu society.

In this writeup , I discuss the Scientific ,sociological, cultural and religious implications involving the sacred cow like Punganur in Hindu society in India.

The mythical cow

The cow is the most sacred of all the animals of Hinduism. It is known as Kamadhenu, or the divine cow, and the giver of all desires. According to legend, she emerged from the ocean of milk at the time of samudramanthan or the great churning of the ocean by the gods and demons. She was presented to the seven sages, and in the course of time came into the custody of sage Vasishta, the teacher of Ram (hero of the epic Ramayana). Her legs symbolise four Vedas; her nipples four Purushartha (or objectives, i.e. dharma or righteousness, artha or material wealth, kama or desire and moksha or salvation); her horns symbolise the gods, her face the sun and moon, and her shoulders agni or the god of fire. She has also been described in four other forms: Nanda, Sunanda, Surabhi, Susheela and Sumana (Ganapathi 2005). Legends also state that Brahma gave life to priests and cows same time so that the priests could recite religious scriptures while cows could afford ghee (clarified butter) as offering in rituals. Anyone who kills cows or allows others to kill them is deemed to rot in hell as many years as there are hairs upon his body. Likewise, the bull is depicted as a vehicle of Lord Shiva: a symbol of respect for the male cattle. The Nandi (bull) located at the Shiva temples at Thanjavur, Rameshwaram and Mahabalipuram are the most venerated bovine shrines in the Tamil Nadu State of southern India. Similarly, large numbers of pilgrims also visit the 16th century bull temple at Bangalore (Karnataka State) and 11th century Nandi temple at Kajuraho (Madhya Pradesh State). The Vishwanath temple of Jhansi built in 1002 AD also harbours a large bull (Ganapathi 2005). The cow was revered as a mother goddess in the Mediterranean civilisations. The cow became celebrated in India, first during the Vedic period (1500–900 BCE) as a symbol of wealth. Bulls were sacrificed to the gods, and people ate their meat. Nonetheless, the slaughter of milk-producing cows was prohibited. The Rig veda refers to the cow as devi or goddess. Although meat-eating was permitted in the Vedic period, the scriptures encouraged vegetarianism. An example is the Laws of Manu, which states that there is no sin in eating meat, but abstention brings great rewards (Buhler 1964). In the Mahabharata, Bhishma (grandfather of the leaders of warring factions) observes that the cow acts as a surrogate mother by providing milk to human beings for a lifetime, so she is truly the mother of the world. The Puranas state that nothing is more religious than the gift of cows. In the epic Ramayana, Rama was given a dowry of many cows when he married Sita (Dutt 2009). The sanctity of cow may have been based on economic reasons. During the Vedic period, cattle played a significant source of wealth for the predominant pastoral communities, which is similar to the Masai tribe in East Africa today. The five key “products” of the cow include milk, curds, ghee butter, urine and dung; they are used in daily lives, worship and rituals. Cows provide milk that helps to sustain lives of adults and children. The milk by-products such as yoghurt, buttermilk, butter, and ghee are an integral part of people’s daily diet in India. Cow dung is widely used for fuel in rural areas; people also use the dung to clean house floors and walls; cow dung has been scientifically proven to have antiseptic value. Hindus do not share the Western repulsion towards cow excrement, but instead consider it a natural beneficial product. Being tame, cattle are an excellent beast of burden; they pull carts, and plough the field to plant crops. Even after death, their skins are useful to human.

Scientific comparison between exotic and Indian cow breeds like Punganur———-

Exotic and indigenous cow breeds from scientific and analytical angle:

Even though there are many exotic cattle breeds in India, HF and Jersey are very common. Taxonomically they belong to Bos taurus group. They are docile in nature and trouble for feeding and milking is very less. These breeds have developed in cold temperate conditions. Sweat glands are small and less in number. Hence it cannot tolerate high temperature of our tropical climate. Due to its big body and mild nature it soils the body with dung and urine if the flooring is not good. Hoof is soft and the gap between the hooves is wide. It results in slow walking and hoof decay. It cannot wander safely in hilly tracts and cannot run on rocky surface. These animals are best suited for stall feeding only. Mastitis and hoof decay are common if the floor of the shed is not hygienic.

The Y chromosome in this Bos taurus is damaged during the process of evolution. This is the reason for decrease in milk yield potential and increased infertility with further generations of cross breeding. More quantity of balanced concentrated feed is necessary for the body maintenance itself. There is less chance of total recovery if it suffers once bodily. It may lead to infertility. Teat end pores are big and hence milking is easy. But this is reason for more chance of mastitis. Entry to the uterus inside the body remains open always increasing the chance of infection. The milk has more amount of bad cholesterol. Vitamin A is less. Since this is A1 type of milk it is said to be harmful in long run for human health. Ayurvedic experts opine that the urine from cross bread cows does not have medicinal value. The dung from stall fed cross bread cows has more count of pathogens than beneficial microorganisms. Cross breed bulls are lazy in nature and are not suitable for hard work. They are almost useless. But we Indians cannot imagine sending them to slaughter house.

The specialties of Indian cow breeds :

Taxonomically they belong to Bos indicus group. Majority of the breeds produce very less milk. Most of them are specially developed for hard work on the farm from centuries. Hardly 4 -5 breeds produce good amount of milk. If we blame other draught breeds for less milk it is our fault. In olden days milk was not a sellable product. It was not needed also. Each farmer used to have at least 10 -20 animals. Even very less milk from 5 -6 cows of the herd was sufficient for his family consumption. The amazing diversity of Indian cattle breed attracted other parts of the world from centuries. 98% of cattle population in Brazil is derived from Indian breeds like Ongole and Gir. They developed a best breed called Brahman by cross breeding them with Jibu breed. Britain has used the genes of an Indian breed Hallikar to develop resistance against foot and mouth disease.

Indian breeds are very active. The disease resistance and adjustability is excellent due to their nativity. Total surface area of the skin is more due to high hump, hanging dewlap and loose skin. Sweat glands are bigger in size and more in number. All these enable them to sweat more in hot condition and balance the body temperature. Sticky secretion from the skin, smooth skin and short hair avoid insect pests. Oily secretion from the skin in some breeds protects them from heavy rains. Producing localised vibration on the skin is possible to avoid insect bite due to special skin musculatures. It has long tail and special bone arrangement at the first tail bone. It supports total lifting of the tail and reaching to the entire body. Small and closely situated hard hooves is good for ploughing. Hoof decay is less and it can run on hard rocky surface. The bullocks can drag the cart even without putting hoof metal. Indian breeds are clever enough to sit on clean surface to maintain body cleanliness. Teat end pores remain tightly closed avoiding the chance of mastitis. Uterus opening inside the body remains closed which minimises infection. Overall health problems are less reducing the usage of costly chemical medicines. Even the local herbal medicines are effective. This brings down the cost of management and maintains the purity of milk.

In Indian breeds basic metabolic rate of the cells is low. Hence less and low quality food is sufficient for the maintenance of the body. Dry and wet grasses, tree herbage etc. are the common food for them. Even if it suffers from food shortage once it will recover very fast totally and conceives after getting sufficient fodder. High hump, hanging dewlap, invisible solar plexus are the specialties of Indian cow breeds. It is said that all these give special medicinal value for milk, curd, ghee and urine. Bad cholesterol content of the milk is less. This milk is very nearer to human milk in composition. Hence it is easily digestible. Vitamin A and iodine content is more. This being A2 type milk is good for human consumption. It is said that Panchagavya prepared out of milk, urine, dung, ghee and curd can clean our body system. According to Ayurvedic experts it can control few types of cancers, diabetes, ulcer, kidney diseases etc. Panchagavya is becoming popular in agriculture as nutrient and for controlling pest and diseases. Organic farming experts say that the dung from these grazing animals contains high count of nitrogen fixing bacteria and other beneficial microorganisms. Pathogens are very less.

Cost of maintenance of indigenous breed is less. Bulls work very hard. Mortality of calves is less. Male calf is an asset. Bullocks are most useful for ploughing and transportation due to their high hump, strong legs, fast walking and hardworking nature. It can work for long time without food and water. Now a good pair of Hallikar, Khillar or Amrit Mahal breed costs INR 2 to 3 lakh. Even the small breeds like Jawari or Malnad Gidda cost up to INR 1 lakh. Thus rearing male calves can bring good income for farmers. Number of calving is more compared to exotic breeds. Indian breed of any region can adjust the climatic condition of any other region. All these indicate that keeping indigenous breeds is the best option for our farming system. Biogas production from dung and urine is common now. Biogas slurry is better in available nutrients compared to the original dung. Vermi-compost production and sale can bring an additional profit for farmers.

Scientific facts about Indian cows like Punganur——

A1 and A2 Milk

Milk is grouped as A1 and A2. Most of the cows belonging to exotic Bos taurus group and their cross breeds produce A1 milk due to their damaged DNA. It has a chemical substance called Beta Caso Morphine 7 or BCM 7 which separates out during digestion of this milk. This leads to Autism and Diabetes 1 in children. In adults BCM 7 is associated with Alzheimer, cancer, diabetes, heart trouble etc. These are the findings of researches in New Zeeland. Indian and African cows belonging to Bos indicus group produce A2 milk. This milk without BCM7 is safe for human consumption.

Ghee: Ghee from indigenous cows has healthy cholesterol. Ayurvedic medicines for heart diseases are invariably made from cow ghee. This ghee helps for brain development, improving memory and IQ.

Macrophages

In another research Indian cow urine has increased the count of Macrophages in the blood to the extent of 104 %. In comparison Jersey urine effected for 8 to 12 %, buffalo urine for 20 to 28 % and goat urine 40 % increase. This indicates that Indian cow urine is helpful to develop disease resistance.

Bio-enhancer

Indian cow urine is a bio-enhancer which decreases the dosage of other drugs. It controls aging process. Cow urine purifies our body system and removes obstacles. It controls and destroys free radical cells. Repairs damaged DNA. Strengthens Lymphocytes which helps to fight cancer. Cow urine has antibiotic properties also. These are all the results of researches on Indian cow breeds in various institutes across India. Hence cow products are widely used in Indian systems of medicine.

Problems with Indian cow breeds————

 

The story will be incomplete if we do not discuss the problem part of Indian cow breeds. The efficient milk breeds like Gir, Sindhi, Sahiwal, Rathi etc. are at the verge of extinction. Most of the other breeds produce very less milk. This is the main reason for their unpopularity. 1 or 2 litres of milk per day will not work out for any farmer now. Dairying is providing livelihood for millions of farm families in India. We cannot neglect this fact. Most of the dairy farmers have gone for HF and Jersey cows due to unavailability of good milking cows of Indian breed. Rathi breed research station at Bikaner, Rajasthan has developed Rathi cows with 14 to 16 litres of milk per day. We find Gir, Sindhi and Sahiwal cows with more than 15 litres of milk per day here and there. If these Indian breeds with high milk yield are made available our farmers will definitely accept them for dairying.

Many of the Indian breeds have aggressive nature. Threatening the man, fighting each other etc. are very common. Normally the cow will not let the milk down if the calf is not fed on the udder. Milking is difficult if the calf dies. Tying one leg is a common practice to escape kicking while milking. Indian breeds expect more freedom. They are not happy with stall feeding. Grazing them is a problem now due to shortage of grazing land and people to look after them. Few breeds have the habit of jumping the fence. There is practice of tying a wooden piece to the neck to check its speed of running and jumping the fence. However, the wood will not harm the animal in anyway. The sharp horns of these animals are the threats for us always. All these characteristics might have developed for their defence while grazing in the forest. Probably there is no solution for these genetically developed habits. These are the main reasons for unpopularity of Indian cow breeds.

PUNGANUR COW

Punganur is a dwarf dual purpose cattle breed and mainly confined to Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. This breed was developed by Rulers of Punganur area and hence named after the area. The breeding tract is confined to the taluks of Punganur and adjacent taluks of Vayalpad, Madnapalli and Palamaner in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

Punganur is perhaps the world’s smallest humped cattle breed. It is widely known as an efficient milch breed. It is also drought resistant and able to survive exclusively on dry fodder. The Punganur cow is said to have the grace of a deer and a beautiful walking style. It is considered auspicious to have this cow. These cows are said to receive cosmic energy at a higher magnitude and disseminate it all around. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has about 200 Punganur cows in its cattle-yard. Ghee prepared from the milk of these cows along with other Indian breeds of cows is in the ‘archana’ (offering) for Lord Venkateswara and for preparation of the famous Tirupati laddoos.

Punganur Cattle is one of the world’s smallest Bos indicus cattle originated in Punganur town in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. This breed is known for its short stature, high milk production efficiency and efficient reproductive characters. The Jamindars of Punganur were erstwhile Diwans in the Princely state of Mysore. They took fancy on this small breed of cattle and improved this breed and got the name as Punganur breed of cattle. These animals were found in the taluks of Palamaner, Madanapalli, Vayalpad, Piler and Chandragiri. However the breed is on the verge of extinction due to extensive indiscriminate crossbreeding over a period of time in breeding tract. Attempts are made to rescue the breed at Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, under Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University. Under the ICAR adhoc scheme on the Preservation and improvement of Punganur breed of cattle, a demographic survey was conducted in the year 1993 in the breeding tract in Chittoor district covering about 150 villages. The major effort was to multiply the stock and study the morphological characters, production and reproduction parameters. The most important physical character is the height of the animal which is approximately one metre. The animals have a long tail almost touching the ground, which is the most unique feature of this particular breed. Reddy et al (2004) reported a lactation yield of 633.4+21.7 litres over a lactation period of 272.0+8.9 days with an average milk yield of 2.29+0.06 lts. The peak yield was3.92+ 0.11 litres reached in 33.5+1.6 days and an average dry period of 188.1+11.54 days. These animals can be maintained economically and can survive on scarce grazing conditions with minimal care and shelter. Later a NATP project on Conservation on Punganur Germplasm by Semen Preservation was undertaken during the years 1999 to 2004 with the objective to produce 500 doses of frozen semen from 25 unrelated bulls procured from the field and 5000 doses of semen produced during the project was handed over to the NBAGR, Karnal for future use. At present embryos collected from Punganur cows are being cryopreserved for future purpose.

Animal genetics and breeding scientists from the NTR University of Veterinary Sciences in Gannavaram have launched a study to assess the genetic and phenotypic status of the Punganur Cattle, so as to save the Punganur Cow from extinction.

• The Punganur cow is considered to be one of the world’s smallest breeds of cattle.

It has a height of 70 cm to 90 cm and weighing around 115 to 200 kg. In comparison, the famous Ongole bull stands tall at 1.70 metres and weighs 500 kg. Both breeds trace their origins to Andhra Pradesh. This breed yields an average of 3-5liters of milk per day and requires a daily feed intake of 5kg. The Punganur’s milk is high in fat content.

On an average, the milk from a normal cow has fat content ranging from 3% -3.5% fat; the Punganur milk contains 8% fat and is highly rich in medicinal properties.

• Cultural Significance:
  • The Punganur cow has become a status symbol in recent years as wealthy livestock farmers began buying it, believing it brings good luck.
  • The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) also has several Punganur cows, whose milk is used to prepare ghee which is offered as ‘archana’ to Lord Venkateswara.

• Vulnerability:
  • The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) lists the breed as facing extinction.
  • According to livestock journals, it is on the verge of extinction due to cross-breeding being conducted by farmers.

• Conservation Action: The Livestock Research Station (LRS) at Palamaner in Chittoor district is said to be the last bastion of the breed. LRS has instituted a programme to conserve the breed.

Breed characteristics:-

1. Punganur is a popular dwarf cattle breed.
2. Punganur have compact build, comparatively tight skin and extensively hanging dewlap..
3. Punganur cows are generally white, grey or light brown to dark brown in colour. White mixed with red or black colour are also available.
4. The skin, muzzle, eyelids and hooves are black and they have concave and broad forehead.
5. Punganur breed have black, small and crescent shaped horns, slightly mobile and almost flat along the back which are normally at different heights from each other.
6. Punganur breeds horns are stumpy in males and longer in females; horn length ranges from 10 to 15 cms.
7. The back slopes downwards from front to the hind quarters.

8 Punganur have short legs and long body with well sprung ribs.

9. Punganur cows have tails that touch the ground; humps of small size in females and medium but drooping in males.

10. The average height is about 70-90 cms and weight is around 115-200 kgs.
11. The lactation milk yield is approximately 540 litres and lactation length is 260 days.
12. The average milk fat content is 5 to 8 % and their average daily feed intake is 5 kg.
13. The bulls are more docile than the females.

Specialty——-

These cows are a blend of white and light grey. Their broad forehead and short horns add to their unique and endearing look. The average height of a Punganur is 70-90cm and it weighs 115-200kg.

Punganur cows are highly drought resistant – they can survive on dry fodder.

The body language of this cow is similar to a deer – it has a beautiful walking style. This breed, which is on the verge of extinction, has only around 300 odd cows remaining on our planet.

Main characteristics

– Back slopes downwards from front to hind quarters

– Tail touches the ground
– Slight mobile horns and almost flat along the back

Morphological characteristics-———–

Andhra Pradesh is known for its native Punganur and Ongole cattle breeds. Having a Punganur cow within the barn was not solely seen as a standing image, but additionally synonymous to opulence, when it was patronised by Vijayanagara emperors and Pithapuram rulers. The breed, which provides a mere Three litres of milk a day, finally misplaced out to high-yielding varieties, particularly the cross-bred cattle, within the mad race that adopted White Revolution. A tough estimate places the variety of well-characterised Punganur cows within the State at 2,000. Even in its house floor comprising Chittoor, Nellore and Kadapa districts, technically grouped beneath the southern agro-climatic zone, this quick selection that’s simply over a metre tall, is quick shedding floor, however its ‘most wanted’ standing in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Body: Short stature, compact Body colour: White, grey or light brown to dark brown or red; sometimes, animals with white colour mixed with red, brown or black coloured patches are also seen. Skin: Tight, Forehead: Concave, broad, prominent, Eyes: Black eyelids, Muzzle: Black, Dewlap: Hanging ,Shoulder hump: Small in females and medium but inclined to be drooping in males, Chest (barrel): Long with well sprung ribs. Horns: Shot; crescent shaped and often loose curving backward and forward in males and lateral and forward in females. Limbs: Short,Hooves: Black

Morphometric parameters – Horn length: 10 – 15 cm,

Reproductive traits – Dry period: 188.1±11.54 days, Inter-calving period: 317 – 832 days.

8.9 days±Production traits – Daily milk yield (Kg): 2.29±0.06 kg, Lactation period: 272.0

Milk production per lactation: 633.4±21.7 kg , Average milk fat: 5.00%, Average solid not fat: 7.69 – 10.56%

Bulls are more docile than females. Ability as draught purpose: The bullocks are used for agricultural operation in light soil as well as for driving carts for transportation and special races. It is a dwarf breed. Known for draught resistance, it can thrive well on dry fodder feeding. Maintained at Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, attached to Shri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati. Some animals are also maintained by private breeders.

This bovine breed is on the verge of extinction due to indiscriminate cross-breeding and the trust has taken it upon itself to conserve the breed and disseminate information about other native breeds.

Surprising however true! The urine of a Punganur breed cow is bought for ₹10 a litre and its dung for ₹5 a kg. Although they’re typically purchased to be sprayed on crops, this ‘exorbitant’ value is attributed to the perceived ‘excessive anti-bacterial’ property of this breed. Ignored for many years, this breed, which can be thought of holy in Hindu faith, is again in demand as it’s priced as much as ₹3.5 lakh.

Conservation of Punganur

Conservation Efforts –

This breed is on the verge of extinction. The decline of this pure Indian breed is mainly due to an earlier policy decision taken by the Government to “better” Indian cattle breeds by cross-breeding the Punganur with the Holstein-Friesian and Jersey cattle while banning the rearing of native bull breeds. The Punganur cattle are now being reared mainly on the Government Livestock Farm, Palamaner, Chittoor district, while a small informal group of private breeders are also working on reviving this revered species.

Available only in small numbers, the Punganur cow has become a craze, a status symbol, among the wealthy in the Andhra Pradesh capital of late. People are shelling out at least Rs.1 lakh to buy the cow, which is believed to bring good luck..

Round 50 Punganur cows are maintained on the Livestock Analysis Station (LRS) in Palamaner and propagated beneath in-situ conservation by processing the standard semen at LRS Lam (Guntur). The State authorities has not too long ago sanctioned ₹69.36 crore beneath Mission Punganur to be carried out by Sri Venkateswara Veterinary College (SVVU), Tirupati, and on the Andhra Pradesh Centre for Superior Analysis in Livestock Restricted (APCARL), Pulivendula.

Conserving and propagating the breed and making certain fast multiplication of superior feminine by in-vivo and in-vitro embryo manufacturing to extend its inhabitants is the target. The concept can be to effectively use low genetic benefit cows as surrogate to supply elite offspring,

Hundred elite Punganur cows recognized as oocyte/embryo donors will probably be used for the aim, from which 25 viable embryos will probably be produced annually, taking the entire to 1,250 in 5 years. At a being pregnant charge of 30% and calving charge of 90%, 338 calves will probably be produced annually, which suggests 1,690 in 5 years,

. Nonetheless, non-availability of disease-free, genetically-superior donors available in the market appears to be a problem in taking the challenge additional.

The function of SVVU and APCARL seem like hazy within the authorities order, giving scope for confusion over twin management. Native cattle rearers are already agitated amid rumours of the Palamaner analysis station being completely shifted to Pulivendula, which provides a brand new dimension to the difficulty.

The results of the experiment concluded that the milk of native cow breeds of Punganur, Ongole and Sahiwal are superior in terms of its chemical composition and the milk has potential to withstand for heat treatment indicating its superiority over cross bred cows of Jersey and HF. Further, heating the milk beyond 600C will denature the useful proteins, lactose and reduced the fat and SNF %, with much higher rate in cross bred when than in native breeds. Further, Punganur cow milk is superior in terms of Fat %, SNF %, Lactose content, and proteins profile followed by Ongole breed and least was observed in Jersey cross bred followed by HF cross bred at room temperature or at high temperatures.(vide the reference -thepharmajournal.com)

PUNGANUR COW-The Mother of all Cows

 

Compiled  & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

 

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Reference-On Request.