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Significant Decline in Cattle Population in Dakshina Kannada

Significant Decline In Cattle Population In Dakshina Kannada

Mangaluru, May 29: The cattle population in Dakshina Kannada (DK) district has decreased by 40% over the past decade, as revealed by the animal husbandry and veterinary sciences welfare department. The census, conducted every five years, highlights a drastic reduction in cattle numbers.

In 2007, the cattle population stood at 411,728, which dropped to 257,415 in 2012 and further to 252,401 in 2019. The upcoming 2019-2024 survey is expected to show an even further decline.

The local cow breed is nearing extinction, with a 70% decrease over 15 years. In 2007, there were 229,838 local cows, but this number fell to 113,747 in 2012 and 65,997 in 2019. Mixed-breed cows have seen a slight increase from 166,771 in 2007 to 184,752 in 2019. Buffalo numbers have plummeted from 15,119 in 2007 to 1,832 in 2019.

Dr. Arun Kumar Shetty, deputy director of the district animal husbandry department, attributes this decline to generational changes, labor issues, reduced grazing land, and the shift from paddy cultivation to commercial and horticultural crops.

 

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