The release of a special cover on Punganur cow by the Postal department recently has brought cheer to the officials of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary departments, and hundreds of dairy farmers in the district. In recognition of the importance of this rare breed of bovine, the special cover has the image of the cow with an impressive design.
The Punganur cow breed is considered “divine” not only by the officials but the farmers across the district. While veterinary scientists are busy working on a research project to preserve the breed, and to expand its presence through artificial insemination, the special cover is expected to bolster its image and help its popularity go places.
According to information, the cattle breed has a mention in the inscriptions of Bana and Chola dynasties dating back to the early 5th century AD. The scientists working on the research project maintain that the breed must have been originally living in the wild, and later brought into domestication centuries ago. Officials say that Punganur cows are very docile, resilient, farmer-friendly, and highly productive. “During homams and devotional services at temples and royal palaces of the yore, the presence of Punganur cows used to be a must. That’s why it is called divine in the parlance of veterinarians. These qualities make Punganur cow a mystery to veterinary scientists,” says a senior researcher at SV Veterinary University.
