Punganur Cow

పుంగనూరు

One of the world's smallest cow breeds.

Native tract: Chittoor — Punganur, Madanapalli

Milk per day (peak)

2–5 L

Milk per lactation (~300 days)

400–800 L

Milk fat

8.0%

Adult weight

110–200 kg

Punganur is critical

Every Punganur cow saved is a meaningful step in protecting this heritage line. Consider adopting one or supporting a verified gaushala in Andhra Pradesh.

Distinctive features

Coat: White, brown, red, or pied combinations.

Dwarf breed — adults stand 70–90 cm at shoulder
Compact, broad body
Short, stubby horns curving outward
Disproportionately well-developed udder for body size

Temperament & utility

Highest milk fat among Indian cows (up to 8%)
Low feed requirement — 1/5 of a normal cow
Disease resistant
A2 milk

History & lineage

Punganur is a dwarf zebu breed from the dry uplands of Chittoor. By 1990 the population had collapsed to under 200 animals. The Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University at Tirupati launched a conservation drive that has stabilised numbers; PM Modi famously kept Punganur cows at his residence in 2024, raising national awareness.

Why Punganur matters

Punganur is critically endangered. Each animal preserved is a meaningful contribution to saving the breed. The high-fat A2 milk and ultra-low feed requirement make it ideal for terrace dairy and urban gaushalas.