A small group of veterinary interns stands huddled at the entrance of Shed No. 9 at a cattle farm on the outskirts of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Moments later, a calf tumbles out, and cheers erupt around them. This group witnesses the birth of a purebred Ongole calf at the Livestock Research Station LAM Farm in Guntur—one of the few government-run farms in the country dedicated to Ongole cattle conservation efforts.
As the cow licks her offspring, helping it to its feet, Dr. M Mutha Rao, the officer in charge of LAM Farm, shares with The Indian Express, “This calf was born out of IVF-embryo transfer technology. With similar breeding techniques, we have preserved the purity of the Ongole breed for 30 years and eight generations.”
The Global Impact of Ongole Cattle
The LAM Farm’s efforts may seem challenging, but the Ongole breed is gaining international recognition, particularly in Brazil, where it has become known as “the most expensive cattle in the world.” In February, an Ongole purebred cow, Viatina-19, sold for an astonishing $4.38 million in Brazil. This breed thrives in Brazil, where about 80% of the nation’s 226 million cattle are Ongoles.
Brazil, the world’s top beef exporter, raises Ongoles primarily for their meat. As Brazilian breeders aim to capture new markets, they are focused on producing larger, meatier cattle, such as the Viatina-19. The breed’s strong genetic traits make it a valuable asset in the cattle industry.
The Threat to Ongole Cattle in India
Despite the global interest, the Ongole breed faces extinction back in India. The number of Ongole cattle has halved from 1.5 million in 1944 to 634,000 according to the 2019 Livestock Census. In India, where the indigenous cattle population has declined by 9% from 2007 to 2012 and by 6% from 2012 to 2019, the future of the breed appears bleak. While the price of a cow is approximately Rs 1 lakh, prized bulls can sell for Rs 10 to 15 lakh, significantly less than their counterparts abroad.
Government initiatives, such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) launched in 2014, aim to promote the conservation of indigenous breeds. However, many farmers still prefer exotic and crossbred cattle that yield more milk. This preference is evident in the increasing population of exotic breeds, which jumped from 39.73 million in 2012 to 51.47 million in 2019.
The Importance of Ongole Cattle Conservation Efforts
Mutha Rao emphasizes the significance of conserving indigenous breeds: “They are the most farmer-friendly cattle, suited to our climate, soil, and farming practices. Their disease resistance and strength surpass many crossbred animals.” Ongoles excel in heat tolerance and can thrive on limited fodder.
At LAM Farm, ongoing Ongole cattle conservation efforts focus on maintaining this breed, which Rao describes as “India’s pride.” He notes that Ongoles have historically supported farmers in cultivating challenging terrains essential for the country’s agrarian revolution.
A Call to Action
As the LAM Farm continues its vital work, veterinary interns learn the intricacies of cattle care, from immunizations to breeding technologies. Dr. Rao believes that to secure the future of Ongoles, India must adopt effective lineage tracking systems similar to those used in Brazil. This will ensure stronger genetic lines and better cattle management.
In conclusion, the Ongole cattle conservation efforts undertaken at LAM Farm illustrate the importance of preserving this unique breed for both cultural and economic reasons. Protecting the Ongole breed not only honors India’s agricultural heritage but also strengthens its
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