PULIKULAM (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The revival of interest in indigenous cattle breeds, such as the Pulikulam, is gaining momentum.

Pulikulam

• About: Pulikulam, a renowned draught and game breed in Tamil Nadu, is named after its village of origin, Pulikulam. 
• Local names: Palingu maadu,” “Mani maadu,” “Jallikattu maadu,” “Mattu maadu,” and “Kilakattu maadu.”
• Breeding Tract: Madurai, Sivaganga, and Virudhunagar districts in Tamil Nadu, where these distinctive cattle are raised.

• Characteristics: Males exhibit a dark grey color, while females are either white or grey. These small-sized animals have compact bodies, short legs, and distinct features such as black muzzle, eyelids, tail switch, and hooves.
• Features: The breed is characterized by a broad forehead with a central groove, contributing to its unique appearance.

oMales possess a large hump, in contrast to the smaller hump observed in females. The udder is not well developed in this breed.

oPulikulam cattle have curved horns that extend outward, upward, backward, and then inward, culminating in pointed tips spaced widely apart.