Vechur is one of the dwarf cattle breeds of India, with an average length of 124 cm and height of 87 cm, it is considered the smallest cattle breed in the world. It is known by the name of a place Vechur – a small place by the side of Vembanad lake near Vaikam in the Kottayam district of South Kerala. The breeding tract includes the Alappuzha / Alleppey, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Kasargode districts of Kerala. The animals are light red, black or fawn, and white in color. In bulls, the color between the fore and hindquarters is relatively dark or dark grey. Horns are small, thin curving forward and downward. In some cases, they are extremely small and are hardly visible. The animals are well adapted to the hot and humid climate of the area. The animals are maintained for manure and milk. Milk production is relatively higher than any other dwarf cattle. The average milk yield is 561 Per lactation and the milk fat percent ranges from 4.7 to 5.8. Animals from each house are let loose in the morning. These animals herd together and go for grazing in bigger groups. Breeding bulls are also present in the grazing area. Cowsconceive out of natural mating from these bulls. Animals return home in the evening. Generally, animals are confined to sheds at night. Tree leaves are spread in sheds for breeding. Additional leaves are spread on alternate days on the previous layer. Daily cleaning of sheds is not done as in other parts of the state. Manure is removed 3 or 4 times a year and used as mulch (organic manure) for cultivation#kerala#vechur#cowsofkerala#cows#indiancows#desicows.
