Ongole Breed of Cattle

Why in news?

• Ongole breed of cattle had remained indispensable native breed for all farm operations for centuries in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh in view of their draught power.

About Ongole Breed of Cattle:

• The breed derives its name from the place name, Ongole.
  • A small area between the Gundlakamma and Musi rivers in Andhra Pradesh.
• Some also refer to this breed as Nelore cattle as this area was once part of the Nellore area.
• Health benefits:
  • Ongole ‘A2 cow milk’ fetches a premium price of over Rs.150 per litre as it enables consumers to build immunity against viral and other diseases.
• High International Demand:
  • The Ongole breed of cattle is much in demand in Brazil and other countries with a significant pastoral economy as the animals have qualities of heat tolerance, resistance to diseases and ability to survive under extreme climatic conditions.

Distribution:

• Ongole cattle are indigenous to the Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh in India.
• The Ongole bull is in great demand all over the world. The population of Ongole off-breed in Brazil is said to be around several millions.

Features:

• They are known for their toughness, rapid growth rate, and natural tolerance to both foot and mouth disease and mad cow disease.
• They are used in bull fights in not only in Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu, but also Mexico and some parts of East Africa.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Ongole Breed of Cattle

1. They have qualities of heat tolerance and resistance to diseases

2. They are not naturally found in India

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

                        A

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