Research

Mandates of the Research Station

• Conservation and maintenance of pure breeds of Amrithmahal Cattle.
• Carry out Research on Amrithmahal with respect to Nutrition, Health, Husbandry practices, Draftability and other aspects.
• Demonstrate the concept of “Bio-Village” to the farmers with integration of livestock activities with Vermicomposting.
• Demonstrate public- private partnership in developing livestock sector.
• Demonstrate fodder and pasture development and establishment of “Fodder Bank”.
• Demonstrate of agro forestry practices suitable to the region.

Demo units in the Research station

1. Amrithmahal unit :

   This unit which was started with a herd of 25 cows and 2 bulls has now swelled to 78 cattle’s. In earlier days before independence ,this breed was patronized by the Royals of Mysore kingdom and was mainly utilized for transport , military and draught purpose. The word Amrithmahal is derived from word “Amrith” which means milk amd Mahal which means House. The breed which was called as “Benne chavadi”during the time of Mysore Wodeyar Rulers was subsequently renamed as “Amrithmahal” by Tippu Sultan, the Ruler of Mysore kingdom. He also took steps for development and improvement of the breed by allotting vast grazing lands for Amrithmahal cattle which are known as Kavals and framing suitable rules and laws for its conservation and breeding. The animals are maintained in large pasture areas in herds. Since they are handled without any restriction they exhibit a very impatient wild behavior .

2. Dairy unit.

   In this unit, cross bred cows like HF are maintained. At present 38 cattle are maintained in this unit and is managed on scientific basis and farmers visitors are provided with information on profitable dairy farming .

3. Fodder unit :

   In the available cultivable land of 80 Acres, fodder crops suitable for this region are cultivated to meet the requirements of the animals in the farm. Perennial fodder crops like Hybrid Napier CO-3, Fodder Sorghum COFS-29, Lucerne,   Stylosanthes are grown along with annual crops like cowpea, maize sorghum. For dry fodder Ragi is grown in kharif. Crop planning is done every year to ensure availability of green fodder crops throughout the year. Further Multipurpose Tree Species (MPTS) suitable for fodder and fuels like Bauhunia purpurea. Sesbania, Subabul, etc are also grown in this research station as part of agroforestry.

4. Centre of Excellence for Transfer of Technology in Animal Production:

   This centre is established at LRIC (A), Konehalli with the primary mandate is to provide hands-on training to the farmers on management systems of major species of livestock and poultry production and carry out focused research to enhance production efficiency of livestock by improved management, feeding and breeding.