Cattle Shows

Traditionally cattle are showcased in Santhais (Shandy/Markets), religious events and bio cultural events like Jallikattu and Rekhla. Here the participation is mostly restricted to breeders, farmers and local communities. However, for Jallikattu there is also a tourist population in addition to the breeders and farmers. It is a known fact that there is a declining interest in native cattle rearing/breeding which is due to globalised economic factors. Hence there is a need to promote efforts for raising native cattle with a different perspective that will instil pride in farmers in addition to encourage breeding scientifically and also using traditional knowledge based on characteristics and to present cattle. There is also a need to take this awareness to the urban population.

SKCRF conducts Cattle Shows every year.  It is conducted in partnership with Kangayam Cattle Breeders Society. Nearly 600 to 1000 cows/bulls/oxens/ calves are brought to the sshows. Transactions happen in this place quite efficiently, either it is buying or selling. While the trade is happening on one side and handled directly by the farmers, the cattle show happens alongside.

The event is aimed at promoting conservation of the native Kangayam breed and maintaining the quality of pedigree Kangayam cattle. A key feature of the event is the awarding of prizes for the best bulls and cows showcased. These prizes reward and encourage livestock keepers, many of whom have been custodians of this breed for generations, to continue to protect this breed and save it from extinction. Expert judges where Veterinarians are on the jury, award these prizes to good pedigree cattle, ensuring the breeding of thorough bred Kangayam cattle. The event is a big crowd puller and helps showcase the cultural heritage of the Kongu region.  The show has become an important date in the tourism calendar of the region. The event helps in rekindling interest in native livestock amongst people cutting across communities and strata.

Visitors interact with livestock keepers, experts and local communities and get a firsthand experience of the traditional knowledge base in breeding and rearing. The various categories in which the livestock keepers compete with their cattle are:

• Adult Stud Bull (4years old or above 4 teeth)
• Young Stud Bull (2 to 4 years old below 4 teeth)
• Adult Oxen (4 teeth and above)
• Young oxen (below 4 years or below four teeth)
• Adult Mayilai 2 teeth and above (white)
• Young Mayilai (white) 2 teeth and below Heifer
• Adult Sevalai 2 teeth and above (Red) cow
• Adult Kari (Black) cow

Efforts are on to include additional categories like best milking cow, best woman livestock keeper, best livestock keeping family, best livestock keeping landless women.

• 600 – 1000 cattle are brought to the show each year.
• 30,000-40,000 visitors attend the show each year.
• Rupees 15 lakhs has been distributed as prizes, souvenirs to livestock keepers from 2010-2016.