Vadodara/ Anand: After Gir, Kankrej and Dangi, a fourth indigenous breed of cow from Gujarat will get national recognition paving way for conservation and preservation of its genes.The veterinary college of Anand Agricultural University (AAU) has carried out phenotypic characterization of ‘Dagri cow’ which according to the scientists is found suitable in the mountainous regions and found in abundance in the tribal heartland of Central Gujarat’s Dahod, Panchmahals and Chhota Udepur districts.The proposal to grant national recognition to this breed will be submitted to the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), the nodal agency of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which is the apex body that registers the new breeds.With funding from animal husbandry department of Gujarat government, AAU and Kutch-based NGO – Sahjeevan – is conducting surveys of unrecognised breeds by studying their phenotypic and genetic characterization after which such proposals are submitted to the central government through the state government for recognition of such indigenous breeds.“We have prepared the report and will be submitting it this week. There is no reason why this breed which has distinct characteristics should not receive national recognition,” said Dr K B Kathiria, director of research at AAU, who had first noticed this distinct breed during field visits to Dahod, five years ago.“This breed is resistant to diseases like foot and mouth, it can survive against extreme heart conditions. Unlike, other cow breeds, this breed is dwarf,” he said.“Compared to other breeds, this cow breed provides much less milk. Its milk production per lactation cycle is in the range of 300 to 400 kg. But the bullocks of this breed are most suitable for farming in hilly terrains. Also, because of its smaller size, its feed requirement is less, making it more economical for tribals who have small farm holdings,” said Kathiria.The ‘pahadi’ Dagri cow is hardworking and survives on whatever feed, it is provided.It is worth mentioning here that earlier this year, NBAGR had conferred independent-breed status to three breeds including the Kahmi goat, Panchali sheep and Halari donkey – the breeds which are mainly found in Saurashtra region of Gujarat.After addition of these three new breeds, of the total 163 breeds of livestock that are nationally recognised, Gujarat will have a total of 22 breeds that have been conferred independent breed status. This include three cow breeds, four buffalo breeds, three breeds of sheep, six of goats, three horse breeds, two camel breeds and one donkey breed.

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