Vechur cows, a unique native breed of Kerala, gained international attention after noted environmental activist Vandana Shiva came out with an allegation in 1997 that the Roslin Institute at Edinburgh, United Kingdom, had patented its genes.

Subsequent investigation at various levels proved the allegation wrong but the controversy led to concerted efforts in the state to conserve the near extinct breed of the dwarf cattle.

Vechur, which is considered the smallest breed in the world, started disappearing after the state government ordered castration of the native breeds to pave way for the high-yielding crossbreeds. Originated from Vaikkom in Kottayam district, Vechur found its place on the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s ‘Critical-Maintained Breeds List’ by the year 2000.

The Vechur cows in the remote forest areas survived the mass castration as the vets could not reach there. Vandana Shiva’s allegation awakened people like Dr Sosamma, retired professor, Animal Breeding and Genetics from Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), and they started a massive search for surviving Vechur cows.........Read More

Source: www.khaleejtimes.com