Veterinarian in Society

COW AND BUFFALO

Cow

• Cows were regarded as wealth and were the backbone of the economy of ancient Indians, i.e., Aryans. Cattle were one of the most frequently used animals described in Vedas.
  • Early man used cattle for work, meat, and milk. Cattle were also a sign of wealth.
  • Selection and crossbreeding of cattle for different purposes began early in the history of agriculture

Buffalo

• Taming and domestication of buffalo has been mentioned during the epic era of Ramayana and Mahabharata and true domestication during the Indus Valley civilization. Several types of buffaloes have been described in different parts.
• The Indian subcontinent is the richest habitat of riverine buffaloes (dairy) whereas East and Southeast Asian countries are dominated by draft type swamp buffaloes.
• In South India buffaloes were used for ploughing lands after which they wallow in the pond to reduce tiredness. Buffalo keeping was a symbol of prosperity in Southern India.