Firdous Hassan
Srinagar: A new research has confirmed that the milk of Kashir Gaav (an indigenous cow breed of Kashmir) has a high nutrient value and higher anti-oxidants compared to the rest of the cow breeds in the country.
A comparative research study conducted by Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) has revealed some interesting facts.
Funded by Department of Biotechnology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology, the research programme was started in 2015 and the final findings were officially released in December 2018.
Scientists studied the entire lactation cycle of Kashir Gaav by applying transcriptomics and genome analysis procedures. The finding were later compared with other popular breeds including Jersey and Holistan using similar methodology.
“The expression patterns of proteins (RPS28 and RPLPO) suggests a possible higher antioxidant activity of milk from Kashmiri cattle as compared to Jersey cattle. Genes responsible for anti-oxidation are found more in this cow. The research concluded that the milk contained anti-infection agents, which is highly beneficial for the infants. In milk proteins, some genes were explored, which are not prone to infection. This aspect is still explored,” reads the findings of the research study.
The study has found that the fat and protein contents in Jersey cattle ranged from 4.10% to 4.85% and 2.91% to 3.36%, respectively. The corresponding values for the Kashmiri cattle were 3.20%-3.94% and 2.81%-3.21%, respectively. Plus the milk of Kashmiri cow has a high industrial potential since it has highly expressive Flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO3) enzyme presence, a natural flavouring agent.
“A validate protein study has suggested that the milk contained Flavin-containing monooxygenase. It has marketing potential as farmers in European countries make cheese from goat milk with similar properties. It has industrial potential with high international market,” reads the findings.
What is more interesting is that the findings prove that Kashir Gaav was less prone to infection including common cattle disease — mastitis. “Its udder had genes, which are resistant to infection. Mastitis is bigger concern for dairy industry, which is not curable,” the research finding reads.
To prevent the cow from getting infected during the research process, scientists at SKUAST developed a new technology, which has now been patented.
“To study the characteristics of Kashmiri cattle, we had to isolate epithelial cell from udder. A new noninvasive method was developed, through which epithelial cells were isolated from milk without harming a cow,” said Syed Mudasir Andrabi, Associate Professor at Animal Biotechnology department, SKUAST-K.
Scientists at SKUAST-K however cautioned that that the indigenous cow breed is nearing extinction, with people mostly preferring exotic high milk yielding cows.
“There was an immediate need to preserve Kashmiri cow. Her features rarely exist in other cow breeds. We should focus on the revival of this cow breed as it suits our environment. Currently the cross breed in Kashmir have 90 per cent exotic blood”, said Andrabi
He noted the Kashmiri cattle germ-plasm has been extensively diluted through crossbreeding with Jersey cattle with the goal of enhancing its milk production ability. “However, crossbred animals are prone to diseases resulting to unsustainable milk production,” he said.
