While milk from indigenous or pure Indian-breed cow has proven to be healthier, 22 varieties of indigenous cows have become extinct in India over the years due to a lack of encouragement in breeding, according to experts. Experts said milk from hybrid cows contained additional BCM-7 element, which was associated with paediatric diabetes, autism, and metabolic degenerative diseases.
To raise awareness about indigenous cow milk and support their rearing, Dr BRKR Government Ayurvedic College and Charaka Dairy have pla-nned to organise a three-day workshop and exhibition on “desi cows” from March 28. Ayurvedic college principal Dr N. Satya Prasad said the event would be held at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road, Hyderabad, and showcase with several breeds of cows.
Of more than 50 breeds of Indian cows, only 29 are available now, Dr Prasad said. The influx of non-indigenous cow breeds and the lack of encouragement for the commercial production of desi cow milk were primarily responsible for this, he added. Charaka Dairy director Dr B.L.N. Sastry explained: “Though desi cows yield less milk, it has amino acid, which makes the milk protein easily digestible and good for the kidney. It is also a rich source of vitamins B2, B3 and A, which help increase immunity and reduce acidity. Desi cow milk also reduces chances of peptic ulcer, colon, breast and skin cancer.” Terming it a “wholesome” food, Dr Sastry said desi cow milk had 25 types of minerals and helped reduce the formation of serum cholesterol. It was one of the best anti-oxidants, he said.