Morphometric and morphological study of Thanjavur Kulli cattle
Author(s): G Nithishkumar, AS Selvaramesh, R Nithiaselvi and KP Saravanan
Abstract: Thanjavur Kulli is a short-statured native cattle in Thanjavur district. It is traditionally reared by the farmers under zero-input conditions and maintained as part of their ancestral heritage. Field investigation was carried out in 82 animals under random sampling. Morphologically, Thanjavur Kulli cattle are mostly characterized by a greyish white coat colour. The average morphometric values recorded in males for height at withers, body length, chest girth, paunch girth, face length, face width, tail length, ear length and horn length were 115.24±0.44 cm, 106.00±0.33 cm, 136.10±0.39 cm, 139.28±0.52 cm, 37.92±0.06 cm, 23.08±0.04 cm, 96.76±0.25 cm, 20.92±0.25 and 19.54±0.13, respectively and in females, the corresponding values were 107.40±0.34 cm, 101.74±0.22 cm, 130.25±0.28 cm, 133.17±0.82 cm, 47.31±10.57 cm, 20.34±0.14 cm, 91.55±1.98 cm, 19.55±0.23 cm and 17.83±0.28. Due to medium sized body women use to rear for livelihood security. The declining population of these cattle is due to indiscriminate crossbreeding. Considering its unique genetic characteristics and adaptability, there is an urgent need to conserve these Thanjavur Kulli cattle as an important indigenous germplasm resource.
