Malnad Gidda cow is a dwarf breed of cattle that is indigenous to the Indian state of Goa. It was introduced in 1961 by a farmer named Begnas Ganga who wanted to produce a low-maintenance animal that could be kept at home and workable with limited resources.
This was achieved by cross-breeding the Marathi and Malnad Gidda cows. The original animal is often called the Marathi Guddi as it originated in Maharashtra. This breed is also known as a “Beefal” – combining the words ‘Beef’ and ‘Buffalo‘. It produces rich milk which can be used for both dairy and beef purposes.
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How to identify the Malnad Gidda cow?
Malnad Gidda cow is a strong cattle breed that stands high. The breed has a thick tail and wide horns showing with a drooping mane.
The rib cage and the chest are broad. Skin, eyes, and hair coloring is red or reddish-brown. It has a short, straight foreleg with a firm pastern and large cloven hoofs. The breed can be distinguished from the breed of Marathi Gudda cow by its smaller size and lighter coloring.
Uses:
The animal can be used for milk, meat, and as a pet. In Goa, this breed was first selected for its dairy and beef purposes. Now the Malnad Gidda cows are primarily used for their meat. The meat of this breed is considered to be tender and flavorful. The breed is well suited to grazing and the owner of a smallholding can milk and rear this breed.
The milk is used for both dairy and beef purposes. This is a relatively hardy breed and can survive in inclement weather conditions. It is ideal for an owner with limited resources as it produces good quality milk when reared at home.
Behavioral characteristics:
The animal is quiet and gentle. It can thrive on poor pastures and sustain itself even in their absence. The animals are naturally robust but can prove to be good producers if fed properly. In areas where these cattle are rare, some farmers prefer to rear these animals as pets and companions as opposed to using them for profit. The breed is easily tamed and it does not cause any property damage when kept in a barn or at home.
As pet:
Although the breed is primarily used for milk and meat, it has been kept as pets by many farmers. The red or reddish-brown coloring combined with its sturdy build makes the animal a good companion. The buffaloes are quiet and can be trained to walk on a leash
Maintenance:
The animals have good resistance to diseases. They are resistant to external parasites like ticks and lice. They also have moderate resistance to internal parasites like worms. The animals are well adapted to low-lying areas although they do poorly in deteriorated pastures. The animals like these areas help them survive in poor pastures without reducing the quantity of milk produced by the breed.
Health Issues:
The cows produce good quality milk when reared at home. There are a few health problems that may occur in this breed: The livestock is susceptible to the diseases of the lesser-known breeds. The monovalent breeds are also known to be susceptible to milk fever, malocclusion, and mastitis.
Special Considerations:
The livestock does not cope well with the heat and humidity of Goa. In hilly areas, the breed fares better than in flat areas. The breed does not tolerate cold very well and may lose condition if kept in a cold climate for prolonged periods. Cows are trained to reproduce around 10 years of age, after which fertility decreases.
The dairy management technique is similar to that of any other dairy breed where the cows are milked twice daily, preferably at midday and evening. However, review full breed profile of the Malnad Gidda cow in the following table.
Best 10+ information:
| Breed Name: | Malnad Gidda Cow. |
| Other Name: | Marathi Gudda Cow, Beefal. |
| Origin: | Goa. |
| Size: | Medium. |
| Rarity: | Medium. |
| Color: | Brown or red. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Hot and humid climate. |
| Temperament: | The animal is quiet, calm, and gentle. |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years. |
