<p>It is bonanza time for farmers in the taluk who are rearing cows that are a cross between Holstein Friesian and Jersey, as there is a greater demand for the same from the neighbouring states.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Owing to severe drought situation in the taluk, farmers have taken up subsidiary occupations such as rearing cattle, goats, sheep and piggery, to augment the family income.<br />A few families in the taluk have taken up cattle rearing on a large scale. <br /><br />However, farmers who fall under the category of lower income group are able to make their ends meet with a couple of calves (cross-breed). Malur taluk alone has as many as 36,000 cows (cross-breed).<br /><br />Purchase of cows<br />Once in every five months farmers from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kurnool district purchase as many as 80 to 100 cows from the taluk.<br /><br />There is a great demand for cows from Malur taluk, as they adapt well to the climatic conditions in the neighbouring states. A cross-breed cow costs around Rs 38,000. Great demand has provided an impetus to farmers taking up rearing of cross-breed cows.<br /><br />Through artificial insemination the population of cross-breed cows is given a boost. With mineral-rich fodder and balanced diet the yield of cow can be enhanced, said veterinarian Nandish.<br /><br />Issue of infertility among high-yielding cows is common. Farmers need to address the issue with the guidance of veterinarians, said Department of Animal Husbandry Assistant Supervisor Srinivas.<br /><br />Dates back to 2,000 years<br />Holstein-Friesian cow is a breed of large dairy cattle originating in northern Holland and Friesland. Its chief characteristics are its large size and black and white spotted markings, sharply defined raqther than bended. <br /><br />These cattle are believed to have been selected for dairy qualities for about 2,000 years. <br /><br /></p>
<p>It is bonanza time for farmers in the taluk who are rearing cows that are a cross between Holstein Friesian and Jersey, as there is a greater demand for the same from the neighbouring states.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Owing to severe drought situation in the taluk, farmers have taken up subsidiary occupations such as rearing cattle, goats, sheep and piggery, to augment the family income.<br />A few families in the taluk have taken up cattle rearing on a large scale. <br /><br />However, farmers who fall under the category of lower income group are able to make their ends meet with a couple of calves (cross-breed). Malur taluk alone has as many as 36,000 cows (cross-breed).<br /><br />Purchase of cows<br />Once in every five months farmers from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kurnool district purchase as many as 80 to 100 cows from the taluk.<br /><br />There is a great demand for cows from Malur taluk, as they adapt well to the climatic conditions in the neighbouring states. A cross-breed cow costs around Rs 38,000. Great demand has provided an impetus to farmers taking up rearing of cross-breed cows.<br /><br />Through artificial insemination the population of cross-breed cows is given a boost. With mineral-rich fodder and balanced diet the yield of cow can be enhanced, said veterinarian Nandish.<br /><br />Issue of infertility among high-yielding cows is common. Farmers need to address the issue with the guidance of veterinarians, said Department of Animal Husbandry Assistant Supervisor Srinivas.<br /><br />Dates back to 2,000 years<br />Holstein-Friesian cow is a breed of large dairy cattle originating in northern Holland and Friesland. Its chief characteristics are its large size and black and white spotted markings, sharply defined raqther than bended. <br /><br />These cattle are believed to have been selected for dairy qualities for about 2,000 years. <br /><br /></p>
