Malnad Gidda cattle are a dwarf cattle breed originating from India. It is also called Malenadu Gidda, Gidda, Uradana and VarshagandiWord Malnad means hilly region and don’t care means dwarf or small.
This breed originates from the hilly, rainy, and densely forested region of Malenadu in the Western Ghats in the state of Karnataka in India. It plays a very important role in the rural economy of this region, providing milk, manure and draft power at little cost.
Major cattle raising areas of Malnad Gidda include Chikmagalur, Dakshin Kannada, Hasan, Kodagu, Shimoga, Uttar Kannada and Udupi districts in the state of Karnataka. Learn more about this breed of cattle below.
Characteristics of Malnad Gidda livestock
Malnad Gidda cattle are small animals with a predominantly black coat color with light shades of fawn on the thighs and shoulders.
They have a small and compact body. Crates and cows usually have horns, and their horns are usually small, straight, pointing up and inward.
Their rear derailleur is black. They have a small hump, and the udder of cows is small and cup-shaped. Photos and information from Dairy Knowledge Portal and Wikipedia.
Advantages
Malnad Gidda cattle are draft animals. They are also bred for milk production.
Special Notes
Malnad Gidda cattle are hardy animals. They are known for their small size, adaptability to natural climates, and resistance to disease. They can be supported only by grazing in forests and rural areas.
And they are well adapted to harsh climates, including heavy rains. Cows are good milk producers. Elite cows can produce around 3-5 kg of milk per day.
The milk and urine of these cattle are thought to have medicinal value. These animals are very timid and relatively docile. They are mainly grown under the low-consumption, low-yield system in their region of origin.
They are also grown under a zero-consumption system in some areas where they survive solely on grazing. The breed was once a nondescript variety and is now officially recognized as a separate breed by authorities. However, check out the full profile of this breed in the following table.
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| Breed name | Malnad Gidda |
| another name | Also called Malenadu Gidda, Gidda, Uradana and Varshagandi. |
| Purpose of the breed | draft and milk |
| Special Notes | Strong, hardy, powerful, well adapted to native climatic conditions, shy, obedient. |
| Breed size | Little |
| climatic tolerance | All climates |
| coat color | Black to brown complexion |
| horned | Yes |
| milk production | Good |
| scarcity | general |
| Country/place of origin | India |
