Punganur Cow and Bhim the Buffalo Steal the Show at Fish and Animal Samavesh

Bhubaneswar, Feb 14: The world’s smallest cow breed, Punganur, and the famous buffalo, Bhim, from Rajasthan, emerged as the major attractions at the three-day State-level Fish and Animal Samavesh, which commenced in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

The Punganur cow, native to the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd at the event. Known for its small size yet remarkable milk quality, this breed has become increasingly popular across India. The milk of the Punganur cow is said to be sweeter than cream, with a high ghee content. The cow stands between 70 to 90 centimeters tall and weighs between 115 to 200 kilograms. Its adaptability to dry and hot climates makes it a valuable breed for Indian households.

A recent viral video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi petting a Punganur cow at his residence on Makar Sankranti (January 14, 2024) has further boosted the breed’s prominence. It is also noteworthy that the world-famous Tirupati Laddu is made using ghee derived from Punganur cows. The breed produces an average of 3.5 liters of milk per day with an impressive 8% ghee content.

Another highlight of the event was Bhim, a massive Murrah breed buffalo from Rajasthan, owned by Jawaharlal Jangid. Standing six feet tall and weighing several hundred kilograms, Bhim is widely known for his impressive size, health, and high-quality sperm production.

According to Jangid, maintaining Bhim is an expensive affair, costing around Rs. 5000 per day. His diet includes 20 liters of royal jelly, cashews, pistachios, carrots, cabbage, seasonal vegetables, dry straw, and green grass, along with 1 kg of bilona ghee daily. To maintain his fitness, Bhim undergoes a rigorous exercise routine, including swimming sessions in a pool twice a day.

The Murrah breed is known for its high milk production capacity, yielding 20-25 liters of milk per day, making it one of the most sought-after buffalo breeds in India. Bhim’s exceptional stature and unique lifestyle fascinated visitors at the event, making him the center of attraction.

The Fish and Animal Samavesh has provided an opportunity for livestock enthusiasts to witness unique and valuable breeds up close, promoting awareness and appreciation of indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds.