Malabari Goat
Why in News?
- The Malabari goat is in the news because researchers from the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) published the first complete mitochondrial genome of this breed in the journal Mammalian Genome.
- The study, published in Springer Nature’s Mammalian Genome, provides molecular evidence that Malabari goats likely reached Kerala by sea via ancient Indian Ocean spice trade routes, unlike most Indian goat breeds that came overland.
Origin & Habitat
- Native Region: Indigenous to the South Malabar region of Kerala, specifically found across districts like Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Malappuram. They are also known as Tellicherry or Cutch goats.
Physical Characteristics
- Size: Medium-sized frame; adult females weigh around 30 kg, while males reach about 40 to 41 kg.
- Coat Colour: Highly variable colour patterns, ranging from completely white to solid black, brown, or mixed piebald patterns.
- Beard & Horns: All males and a small percentage of females are bearded. Both sexes feature small, slightly twisted horns pointing outward and upward.
- Ears & Nose: Medium-sized ears directed outward and downward, with a flat or occasionally Roman nose.
Productivity & Economy
- Purpose: Primarily reared for milk and meat production. Their skin is also highly sought after in the leather tanning industry.
- Milk Yield: Produces between 0.5 to 1.5 liters of milk per day, averaging 90 kg over a standard lactation period of 178 days.
- High Reproduction (Prolificacy): Known for multiple births, yielding 50% twinning, 25% triplets, and 5% quadruplets. They reach maturity early (8 to 10 months).
Adaptability & Threats
- Climate Resilience: Exhibits exceptional genetic adaptability to survive hot, humid, tropical weather conditions and stressors.
- Major Threat: The primary threat to the breed is genetic dilution caused by the invasive crossbreeding of Boer goats and other non-native breeds entering their breeding tracts.
