Motu are dwarf cattle predominantly found in Motu, Kalimela, Podia and Malkangiri areas of the Malkangiri district in Orissa. Their breeding tract is situated in the southern part of Malkangiri district and also in the adjoining areas of Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh where the soil is of the sandy and clay type.
The Koya tribals of Orissa are responsible for developing this breed that also goes by the name ‘Deshi’. Though the breed is small in size, these strongly built cattle are used for draught purpose in hilly and undulated terrains. The breed has excellent drought and heat tolerance and its utility areas are draught, milk and manure. Among the Koya tribes, the cow dung is considered as an important product obtained from the rearing of these cattle.
Due to the existential threats on account of cross-breeding and adoption of foreign varieties, the Orissa State Government has undertaken the task of identifying and conserving the local species, especially the Motu breed. Conservation and up-gradation through natural process is underway.
The breed is managed under Extensive Management System and its feeding is done through grazing. No feed-supplementation is given to the Motu cows during pregnancy or calving.
The Koya tribals of Orissa are responsible for developing Motu breed that also goes by the name ‘Deshi’.
Due to the existential threats on account of cross-breeding and adoption of foreign varieties, the Orissa State Government has undertaken the task of identifying and conserving the local species, especially the Motu breed.
CowCare.Org continues with its movement of venerating and conserving our native Indian breed of cattle.
