Uniqueness of Bargur cattle
His father Karuppanagoundar was living in a village near Kangayam in the same district.
About 60 years ago there was famine in that area and the entire family migrated to
Anthiyur near Bargur Hills. He also brought Kangayam cattle with him. The new area
was in hilly terrain and therefore the Kangayan cattle could not climb the hills for
grazing. He realized that local cattle called ‘Bargur’ was suitable for this tract and
therefore crossed with Bargur bulls. Within 4 generations he completely changed the
breed into ‘Bargur type’. His father was careful in selecting the bulls. He selected male
calves which are in good body length, red color horn, eyes and also such calves born
from second lactation mothers. The salient feature of the breed is that bullocks need not
be shod with iron shoe while used for long journey for pulling cart, unlike other breeds
of draught cattle. The animals are not affected much if there is an outbreak of foot and
mouth disease in that area.
Utility of the Bargur cattle
Mr. Nachimuthugounder is maintaining 150 cows, 20 calves and 2 bulls. His main
income is through the sale of young males (one year old) . Annually he disposes of 30 of
them and sells at an average rate of Rs.12,000 per pair. Selling is done during the festival
“Gurunathasami” temple at Anthiyur usually in the Tamil month “Adi” (July-August).
He never disposes of female calves. Males are procured by traders for rearing them
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