The centre for the propagation and conservation of Indigenous Cows was setup in the year 1996.

The center has the following objectives:

  1. To maintain the pure indigenous breeds of cow (improvement through selection & upgrading)
  2. To improve the milk production in selected cows through indigenous cross breeding.
  3. To increase the breed quality of bullock for agricultural purposes.
  4. Implement a breeding programme for genetic improvement through artificial insemination.
  5. To revive cow wealth of the region making Chitrakoot as an epicentre of social reconstruction in 50 KM.

The centre had initiated a holistic and multi-dimensional strategy to fulfill its mandate:

  1. Undertake basic and applied research in all disciplines relating to indigenous cow production.
  2. Develop update and standardize area specific package of practices covering feeding, breeding, management and health cover of indigenous cows.
  3. Impart training in specialized field of research in indigenous cows.
  4. Undertake programmes of transfer of technologies for conservation, propagation and utilization of Indian indigenous cattle genetic resources in rural areas.

The centre is working towards developing livestock in a consolidated and coordinated manner, to improve the village economy.

The major research thrust is centered round the production of improved bulls of indigenous decrepit breeds of cattle.

The centre for cattle development and research, Chitrakoot, has two ongoing research projects entitled:

  1. Improvement and Sire evaluation of indigenous cow for milk production and bullock for the agricultural needs.
  2. Development of indigenous breed of cattle in rural areas.

Valuable information on management practices were collected and documented on Gir, Rathi, Sahiwal, Tharparker, Nagori, Khillar, Kankrej, Vechur, Ongole and Haryana cattle in the bulletin form. Rapid progress has been achieved in the field of animal genetics and breeding, nutrition, management, animal health and marketing.

The main thrust has been to improve the animal production system in the field conditions.

The centre has setup a fully operational database unit on indigenous decrepit breed of cattle available at Go-Sadan genetic resources center which is being continuously upgraded.

In co-ordination with the district administration, the Centre is working on the improvement of milk yields in the villages of the self reliance campaign.