Exploring the Biological Features of Wayanad Dwarf Cattle: A Qualitative Investigation
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Association of Mastitis
Abstract
The Kuruma tribes in the Wayanad district of Kerala have traditionally raised the Wayanad Dwarf Cattle. This study employs a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology using unstructured interviews and thematic analysis to delve into the perceptions of Kuruma cattle keepers regarding the crucial biological attributes of the Wayanad Dwarf Cattle. The findings reveal notable perceived characteristics, including higher levels of non-fat solids and fat in the milk, superior quality dung, and the ability to rear these animals without resorting to expensive concentrates. The Wayanad Dwarf Cattle’s robustness emerges as a significant perceived biological attribute, accompanied by advantages such as minimal housing requirements, rare disease occurrences, and resilience to diverse climates and terrains. Key recurring themes that were arrived at through the process of thematic analysis encompass the adaptability of these animals during water-scarce seasons and their distinctive grazing behavior, utilizing straight pointed horns to extract softer, green inner parts of tree stems by digging into the hard barks of tall trees in Wayanad forests. Any policy interventions aimed at fostering sustainable community-based conservation of the Wayanad Dwarf Cattle must necessarily consider the perspectives of the traditional stakeholders in this sector.
Description
Keywords
Wayanad Dwarf Cattle, attributes of native cattle, tribal cattle keepers
Citation
Muhammed Asif M, Reeja George P. . Exploring the Biological Features of Wayanad Dwarf Cattle: A Qualitative Investigation. Journal of Animal Research. 2024 Jun; 14(3): 223-226