Farmers' preferences and breeding practices for indigenous cattle breeds in breeding tract of Karnataka

The present study aimed to assess the breeding practices, trait preferences, and selection criteria among farmers, rearing three Indigenous Cattle (IC) breeds, i.e. Amritmahal, Hallikar, and Malnad Gidda in Karnataka. Data were gathered from 360 cattle owners across six districts which were the breeding tract of breeds using a semi-structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that oestrous detection is primarily identified through bellowing (95.83%) and mounting (81.39%). Breeding practices vary, with 59.72% of farmers relying exclusively on natural service (NS), while 21.67% use artificial insemination (AI). Malnad Gidda rearing farmers exclusively use NS, reflecting the breed's recent recognition and the limited availability of AI services. Farmers prioritise traits such as high adaptability, multi-utility, and easy maintenance, with variations specific to each breed. Amritmahal is valued for its multi-utility and traction power; Hallikar for its traction power and religious/cultural significance, and Malnad Gidda for its adaptability and easy maintenance. Selection of cows is heavily based on conformation traits, with udder size and pelvic width being the most critical across all breeds. The study highlights farmers' diverse preferences and practices, shaped by the distinct characteristics and utilities of each IC breed. These insights can guide breeding programs and policy decisions focussed on preserving and enhancing indigenous cattle breeds.