2-Title: Phenotypic Diversity of Variants of Malnad Gidda Cattle Breed
Authors: Hanumanthrao Devamane, R Jayashree, BH Rudresh, GM Satheesha, V Malathi, M Harisha, Chidanandaiah, Basavaraj Inamdar and Venkanagouda Doddagoudar
Source: Ruminant Science (2025)-14(2):111-119.

Abstract

How to cite this manuscript: Devamane Hanumanthrao, Jayashree R, Rudresh BH, Satheesha GM, Malathi V, Harisha M, Chidanandaiah, Inamdar Basavaraj and Doddagoudar Venkanagouda (2025). Role of complement genes in mastitis resistance in cattle. Ruminant Science 14(2):111-119.
Abstract
The Malnad Gidda cattle breed, indigenous to the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is distributed across Shivamogga, Chikkamagalur and Uttara Kannada, with smaller populations in Belagavi, Kodagu and Hassan. A survey covering 25 villages in 10 taluks across Shivamogga, Chikkamagalur, Uttara Kannada and the Malnad Gidda Cattle Breeding and Training Centre in Dakshina Kannada documented 1,397 animals. Fourteen coat colour patterns were identified, with Krishna Kapila being the most prevalent, followed by Kapila, Handa, Kavle, Maira, Shwetha Kapila, Kabetti, Swarna Kapila, Mangalthi, Jala, Boodha, Panchakalyani, Rakta Pingaksha, Hoobala and Haludana. Morphometric data of 424 animals, including males, females, heifers and calves, revealed significant variation. Krishna Kapila showed the largest face length (15.11±0.12 inches) and face width (5.60±0.11 inches), while Swarna Kapila had the smallest face length (12.63±0.36 inches) and Shwetha Kapila the smallest face width (4.61±0.18 inches). Maira displayed the largest ear length (6.72±0.27 inches) and Kapila the smallest (6.06±0.18 inches). Mangalthi exhibited the largest body length (39.64±0.79 inches), chest girth (49.05±1.02 inches), height (37.09±0.83 inches) and weight (144.77±8.61 kg), while Shwetha Kapila had the smallest dimensions. Panchakalyani had the largest horn length (6.06±0.51 inches) and Mangalthi the largest horn circumference (5.09±0.15 inches). The study highlights the rich phenotypic diversity of the Malnad Gidda cattle breed and significant variation in morphometric traits across variants. These findings contribute to documenting and conserving the breed’s genetic and phenotypic uniqueness, emphasizing its importance for conservation and sustainable utilization.
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