Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, May 29: The cattle population in Dakshina Kannada (DK) district has decreased by 40% over the past decade.

The animal husbandry and veterinary sciences welfare department conducts a census of cattle every five years. According to their statistics, the number of cattle (cows and buffaloes) in Dakshina Kannada has seen a significant decline. The survey for the 2019-2024 period is yet to be conducted, but department officials anticipate a further decrease.

According to the 2007 cattle census, there were 411,728 cattle in Dakshina Kannada. This number dropped to 257,415 in 2012 and further declined to 252,401 in 2019.

The local cow breed is nearing extinction, with its population reduced by 70% compared to 15 years ago. Mixed-breed cows are in demand, though not at expected levels. In 2007, there were 229,838 local cows. This number fell to 113,747 in 2012 and 65,997 in 2019.

Mixed-breed cows numbered 166,771 in 2007, increasing to 184,752 in 2019. Buffaloes numbered 15,119 in 2007 but dropped drastically to 1,832 in 2019.

Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, deputy director of the district animal husbandry department, commented on the declining cattle numbers: "Only the older generation is involved in cattle farming these days. The younger generation shows little interest in dairy farming. Additionally, labor issues hinder the development of dairy farming. Due to limited land, cattle cannot graze. Paddy cultivation has reduced from 45,000 hectares to just 9,000 hectares over the past 10 years. The increase in commercial and horticultural crops also contributes to the reduction in animal husbandry."