Vol. 8, Special Issue 2 (2023)

Malaimadu cattle have traditionally evolved from the mountains in the Western ghats of Tamil Nadu and are called "hill cattle". They fit suitably into the local environment and are resistant to diseases and can live down with low or zero inputs. They are multi-colored ranging from reddish brown, grey, dark grey, white, with red/brown spots and black spots. They are known for stamina and draft power. They are used for ploughing and sports purpose – reckla race and Jallikattu. The major source of revenue is the sale of dung and penning. They are housed in open-type housing. In recent decades malaimadu population size is in decreasing trend. Malaimadu cattle should be conserved in their native habitats through identification, characterization, documentation and by adopting a participatory approach involving all stakeholders that will prevent the decreasing trends of population and more sustainable utility.