National bureau gives ‘unique species’ tag to Pahari cow :

1. The Himachali cow has been registered as a unique species with different traits by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal. The bureau also registered it as Himachali Pahari cow.

2. VC, Palampur agriculture university, said the Pahari cow had been registered as a unique species after university scientists presented evidence before the Breed Registration Committee of the Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal. Now that the breed had been registered as a unique species, different institutes could submit projects on research and conservation of the indigenous cow breed of Himachal.

3. The buffalo variety, present in Kangra and Chamba district and reared by Gujjar tribals, had also been registered as Gojri. The government has applied for the registration of Himachali cow under the name ‘Gauri’. However, the name is yet to be allotted to the species. The VC said now that the species had been registered as unique, he could pursue the case for the registration of the name ‘Gauri’ for it.

4. The characteristics suggested that the cow is small in size with a medium hump, horizontally placed short ears and a long tail.

5. A significantly higher white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC) were observed in Pahari cattle as compared to Jersey crossbreed. The Pahari cattle have correspondingly higher haemoglobin levels than Jersey crossbreed cattle. Due to these traits, the Pahari cow is more adapt to live in high-altitude areas and is more immune to diseases.

6. The study, conducted by scientists of the university, revealed that the milk yield of Pahari cow though was low, yet very rich in amino acids. The protein found in the milk of Pahari cow was considered good for diabetics and also fights other diseases.

7. When the cross-breeding programme for increasing milk yield in Pahari cow was started, it was aimed at changing just 25 per cent gene pool. However, indiscriminate cross-breeding carried out in unscientific manner had resulted in almost total destruction of pahari cows in lower areas. However, the pure breed of Pahari cow was still available in high-altitude hinterlands of the state.