Konkan Kapila is a native breed distributed along the Konkan region of Maharashtra and Goa. This breed has been recently registered with the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, India.
The Kapila is an exceptional and revered breed in terms of its spiritual quotient, and has inherited its name from the ancient sage Kapila who is said to have tended this cattle breed. Kapila is native to the regions of Dakshina Karnataka and Kasaragod in Kerala. This breed is easy to maintain as it is not labour-intensive. It can survive on jungle forage and minimal added fodder. Its food comprises highly diverse forest flora, including many of the wild medicinal plants.
The Kapila breed has excellent tolerance to diseases. Its products are regarded as the holiest among all cow products, and are used extensively for performing rituals. Its milk, dung and urine are utilised for the curing of cancer. The milk produced by these cows contain immense medicinal properties and healing capabilities. Due to its small stature, Kapila bulls and cows can easily ingest small-sized grass, plants etc. and these are highly nutritious. The nutritional values are naturally passed on to its milk, dung and urine.
Swarna Kapila has golden-coloured nose, skin and eyes. This breed produces a substance called “Go-rochana” in its horns that are shed once in two years. Go-rochana has great therapeutic value. It eases off fever and weakness, is effective against skin problems, and is an antidote to poison. It is a spiritual product, and wards off negativities, promotes clear thoughts, etc.
Males of this breed possess good draft ability. They are best suited to hilly terrain and hot, humid climate- as found in its native tract. It possesses a high level of heat tolerance. It can survive on scanty grazing, even in sloppy forest areas, without any fatigue.
The Konkan Kapila breed is small in stature and produces less milk. Nevertheless, its milk has high medicinal values and healing properties.
It is noteworthy that practitioners of Ayurveda prefer the products of the Kapila, for preparation of medicinal formulations.
