Why in the news?
- The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) has recognised the Manda buffalo as the 19th unique breed of buffaloes found in India.
Where is the Manda buffalo found?
- The Manda buffalo is found in the Eastern Ghats and plateau of Koraput region of Odisha.
- Both male and female of this breed are used for ploughing and agricultural operations in Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts.
What is special about Manda buffalo?
- The Manda are resistant to parasitic infections, less prone to diseases and can thrive on modest resources.
- This buffalo germ-plasm was first identified through a survey conducted by the Animal Resource Development (ARD) department of Odisha in collaboration with the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).
- Mandas are small sized sturdy buffaloes having a unique coat colour of ash grey and grey with copper colour hair. Lower part of legs of the breed is also light in colour with copper colour hair at knee.
Other Unique breeds?
- Four breeds of cattle Binjharpuri, Motu, Ghumusari and Khariar, two breeds of buffalo-Chilika and Kalahandi and one breed of sheep – Kendrapara have been recognised as unique breeds in Odisha.
(Source: The Hindu and New Indian Express)
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